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Emery ‘dreaming’ of winning Europa League after writing off title

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Unai Emery, the manager of Aston Villa, may not think his team is a contender for the title, but he is “dreaming” of winning the Europa League after making the cut.

With a game to go, Villa secured a top-eight league-phase finish by defeating Fenerbahce 1-0 in Turkey.

After losing to Everton 1-0 at home on Sunday, the Spaniard warned Villa that they were “not top-five contenders.”

Their only chance of Champions League football next season will be if Villa finish outside the top four or top five if England receives an additional qualifying berth.

Emery, a former Sevilla, Arsenal, and Paris St-Germain manager, managed his 100th game of the competition on Thursday, managing his record four victories in the Europa League as manager, the most recently with Villarreal in 2021.

After his side won in Istanbul, he declared to the media that “we have clear objectives in this competition to be a contender for a trophy.”

In order to compete for this trophy in the Champions League, “We want to be a contender.” It’s very challenging [through our league], he continued.

“I have a dream that we will be here winning trophies this year, and we have one goal this year: Europa.”

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Nice to have Sancho as your manager who backs you.

Aston Villa are currently in excellent form.

Only Arsenal (21%) has won more victories than any other team in Europe’s top five leagues during that time, with 20 of their past 25 (D1, L4) wins.

With their lapse against Everton on Sunday, they were unable to move up to second place, just four points clear of Premier League leaders Arsenal-Emery’s former club.

The 28-time Turkish champions’ 1-0 scoreline impressed him as he made six changes for Fenerbahce.

Emery praised his players after the game for “respecting” the competition, adding that he was “so, so happy” with their response.

Jadon Sancho, who made his 19th appearance since joining Villa on loan from Manchester United in September, scored his first goal for Villa.

The 25-year-old forward, who hasn’t played for United since August 2024 and has an expiration this summer, said, “It’s nice to have a manager that supports you and obviously believes in you.”

Every time I play, “He]Emery just keeps telling me to be positive,” he said. I’m going to try my best, whenever I get the chance, and I’ll see if I can accomplish my goals.

Sancho has only started two Premier League games this year, but he has started five of Villa’s last five games in the starting lineup.

Since starting their December league play-off campaign, Villa have played 12 times, and they have a top-eight league-phase finish without a two-legged play-off.

Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers, Emery’s star midfielder, were both rested for the entire 90 minutes on Thursday.

After recovering from a thigh injury, he was able to give Tyrone Mings his first start since November.

Another key player returning from the bench, Amadou Onana, who has been out with a hamstring issue, received a late start.

Emery told TNT Sports, “We are] building the team with some circumstances not helping us.”

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‘Will act accordingly’: US threatens action against Haitian council

The Transitional Presidential Council in Haiti is being advised by the United States that it would take action if the temporary governing body’s security were to be compromised.

The US embassy in Haiti stated in a stern-worded social media post on Thursday that its goal was “the establishment of baseline security and stability.”

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The non-elected Transitional Presidential Council’s tentative change of the government composition would appear to be an attempt to undermine that goal, according to Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, who wrote in a letter to the US.

If the council were to undergo such changes, the US would respond, he added. However, his statement failed to specify the specifics of the warning’s occurrence.

Anyone supporting a disruptive move that favors the gangs would be acting in a way that would conflict with the interests of the United States, the region, and the Haitian people, according to Landau.

Haiti’s government is still struggling to cope with the effects of widespread gang violence, instability, and corruption.

However, the region’s response to the US threat is likely to be agonizing, particularly in the wake of Venezuela’s January 3 attack.

In a move known as the “Donroe Doctrine,” a riff on the Monroe Doctrine from the 19th century, President Donald Trump has repeatedly defended the idea that the entire Western Hemisphere falls under its purview.

Trump has made use of that premise to support his claims that the US needs to control Greenland and that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro should be kidnapped.

A crisis in politics

Haiti, which is located 800 kilometers (11, 000 kilometers) southeast of the United States, has long experienced instability. Because of the legacy of foreign intervention, dictatorship, and natural disasters, it is still regarded as the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere.

However, the nation experienced a new crisis in 2021 when Jovenel Moise was killed inside his Port-au-Prince residence.

Since then, there hasn’t been a single federal election, which has caused a government-confidence crisis. Mandats for the last federally elected officials came to an end in 2023.

According to experts, Haiti’s gangs have taken control of large areas of the territory, including up to 90% of the capital, as a result of the country’s lack of leadership.

More than 1.4 million Haitians have been forced out of their homes as a result of the violence. Millions more people are affected by food insecurity because gang-led roadblocks frequently obstruct thoroughfares.

An estimated 8, 100 people were killed in the violence between January and November of last year, according to a UN report released this week. Since 2024, when the annual total was 5,600, has increased, that is.

However, efforts have been made to restore stability in the nation. To establish the framework for new federal elections, the Transitional Presidential Council was created as a temporary governing body. It was established in 2024 and has nine members who serve as chairs on a rotating basis.

However, the council quickly received criticism for its largely selected members from the country’s business and political elite, and corruption allegations began to surface. Additionally, the members have engaged in internal fighting.

The tensions on the council are also heightened by the US. It placed visa restrictions on an unnamed government official who was later identified in the media as Fritz Alphonse Jean, a member of the council.

The council had planned to hold tiered elections starting in November, but they failed to do so, forcing the first vote to be postponed until August.

The council’s mandate is set to expire on February 7, and the panel’s future is still undetermined.

UN action is demanded.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres attributed the government’s dysfunctional leadership to Haiti’s ongoing humanitarian crisis in this week’s Haiti report.

As transitional governance arrangements near expiration and overdue elections remain urgent, violence has increased and spread geographically, aggravating food insecurity and instability, according to Guterres.

Another UN representative, Carlos Ruiz-Massieu, who is in charge of the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), was equally vocal about the urgent need for unified governance and transparent democratic processes.

Let’s be clear: “The country no longer wastes time on protracted internal struggles,” he said.

Ruiz-Massieu added that there have been “encouraging” signs ahead of the upcoming elections this year in a speech to the UN Security Council on Wednesday. He applauded efforts to increase voter registration, particularly among those in Haiti’s diaspora, and promote female political participation.

However, Ruiz-Massieu emphasized that security concerns, including gang violence, could impede the democratic process and that more needed work needed to be done before elections could be held.

According to him, “achieving this goal will require continued coordination among the relevant institutions, predictable funding of the electoral process, and security conditions that allow all voters and candidates to participate without fear.”

Pregnant Amy Hart rushed to hospital after suffering health scare

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Amy Hart, the former Love Island star, became concerned by the unmoving second child from her unborn child when she learned she was in the hospital.

A former Love Island star has revealed they were rushed to the hospital for tests. Pregnant Amy Hart, 32, shared her terrifying ordeal from a hospital bed.

She candidly told her Instagram followers that she immediately worried after noticing her unborn baby’s movement had changed. The scare follows two tragic miscarriages Amy and her husband Sam Rason, 38, have previously suffered.

Amy acknowledged that the fear she experienced made her unsure whether to go to the hospital as the pair prepare for their second child together. She admitted that she wasn’t sure if she was just acting unkind. She did, however, say that she is pleased that she had tests and taken precautions.

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Amy shared a photo update on Instagram and wrote, “Just a reminder that if your movement changes at all call the triage!!” I had no pattern with Stanley [her first child] and had an anterior placenta, so I was always unsure if I was overreacting or annoying. So, I would occasionally leave it for 2/3 (or 4) days and then get reminded that I should have called sooner.

Even though I have a front placenta once more and have a pattern, I feel lots this time, so when it changed today, I called up and was immediately greeted.

Thankfully, Amy clarified that there was no problem and that the mother and baby are both doing well. All in good health, heartbeat-beat high, and while I was sat in, I was able to complete the majority of my makeup for work tonight, she continued.

She thanked everyone for their kind words as she addressed her post. Thank you for your lovely messages from yesterday, “she said on her Stories.” And those that illustrate just how crucial it is to have everything checked.

I’m guessing the baby has moved behind my placenta because the midwives could hear a lot of machine movements but I didn’t feel anything. Today’s movements were more consistent, making that less stressful.

She continued, “I feel so much better now that I have started my iron tablets.” The cot and my new Pilates reformer are being constructed just in case this weekend!

Amy made the pregnancy announcement in November. She claimed at the time that she was “very excited,” but later acknowledged that the “nerves are difficult to settle.”

She was wearing a knitted bodycon dress with a trench coat over the top in a post that at the time, which perfectly showcased her bump. She stated, “We’re anticipating again, Sam andamp, I’m over the moon.”

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She went into more detail about her pregnancy journey, saying, “This time, the journey has been longer. We’re both very excited, but it’s difficult to put our stress and nerves down despite the devastating miscarriages that occurred last year.

Evans second as Armstrong impresses on WRC debut

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After three stages of his World Rally Championship debut at the renowned Rallye Monte Carlo, Jon Armstrong is currently in fifth place.

The M-Sport Ford driver moved into third place overall after placing sixth on the first stage and third fastest on the icy second stage.

The third stage was stopped due to safety concerns, which included the heavy fog, which caused the rally to stop halfway through the stage.

Although he dropped from the podium to fifth overall due to his slower nominal time, the Northern Ireland driver had a fantastic first day in rallying’s top tier.

Oliver Solberg, who set a stunning time in the second stage to overtake Toyota team-mate Elfyn Evans, was the fastest man in the Wales opener, one minute and 34 seconds behind.

Before the stage was stopped, one of the drivers who complained about the stage’s poor visibility.

According to Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy driver Armstrong, “I couldn’t see anything, so it was probably the right choice to stop the stage.”

I’m ready for the first day of Monte-Carlo and Rally1; I know I can drive, but it’s mostly the things around it that irritate me.

Sebastien Ogier, the reigning champion, is third after completing the stage without being stopped.

Josh McErlean of Motorsport Ireland suffered a similar accident when he spun off the second stage of an icy road, clipped a tree, and was trapped in a ditch, while Sami Pajari of Finland also experienced a similar accident with a broken wheel on his Toyota.

After his accident, McErlean will be able to attend the rally again.

On Friday, the rally will have six stages, and Saturday and Sunday will have four stages before the event is over.

Standings at Rallye Monte Carlo (after stage 3/17)

1. Leader of Toyota, Oliver Solberg SWE

2. Elfyn Evans GB (Toyota) + 44.7 seconds

3. Sebastien Ogier FRA (Toyota) + 1m 8. 6s

4. Thierry Neuville BEL (Hyundai) + 1 m25. 9s

5. Jon Armstrong IRL (Ford) + 1m34.5s

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Gogglebox star Ellie ‘feels like she won lottery’ as she reveals exciting personal news

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Ellie Warner, the gigglingbox star, made an exciting announcement online, and her supporters were quick to express their support.

Gogglebox favourite Ellie Warner has announced some thrilling personal news, with fans quickly rallying behind her.

Ellie made her debut on the Channel 4 programme in 2015 alongside sister Izzi – and the pair swiftly became viewers’ darlings.

Throughout the years, Ellie and Izzi – who are based in Leeds – have left fans howling with laughter thanks to their witty remarks and amusing reactions to television highlights.

Beyond the show, Ellie enjoys a happy relationship with her long-term partner, Nat Eddleston. The pair, who have been an item for several years, welcomed their son Ezra in May 2023, and are now bringing up their family in a 1930s house in Leeds.

As for Ellie’s profession when she’s not gracing television screens, she works as a hairdresser. And this week, she had some thrilling career developments to share with her followers, reports OK!.

On her separate Instagram account devoted to her hairdressing business, Ellie disclosed she had purchased a caravan with plans to transform it for her work. The TV personality posted pictures of herself standing proudly beside her new venture.

Ellie wrote, “INTRODUCING THE GLAMAVAN,” in a lengthy caption. Something I’ve been working on since last spring in the background! I’ve wanted to set up a private studio where I can work for a very long time. My garage wasn’t a good structure at first, but it turned out that at the time I was considering converting it.

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Then, what about a garden room, I thought? I’m excited to start seeing chickens because their enclosure occupies the garden’s most valuable space. What about changing the layout of a bedroom, thirdly? I get it because Nat didn’t want it in the house. Then, I have my ideas for creating a work-from-home environment.

She continued: “Until one day scrolling on Facebook marketplace, as you do, I come across this beautiful little vintage caravan and I had a lightbulb moment what if I could convert this in to a little salon space? and so obviously I buy the caravan BUT it had already been lovingly restored by the previous owners, it seemed such a shame to be ripping it all out to change into a salon on wheels.

“I quickly discovered this beast for sale on the Facebook marketplace, which I immediately went to!” Perfectly prepared for the scrap heap thanks to the person selling the caravan, who also happens to be a fan of the caravan.

“Comedy @notanotherwhitebox Cameron is a master restorer of vintage caravans to their former splendor. One of his personal projects, which he had begun, lost steam as other priorities came along. I felt lucky, in my opinion.

Finding someone to transport her at a reasonable price took a while because she was locked away in storage in Loughborough and cannot be towed. However, having patience is a virtue (which I lack), so it took me some time to put a carport on my drive because she isn’t currently watertight.

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She arrived in September, but I haven’t had the opportunity to advance much. However, waiting is what all good things are, and good will be. This modest piece of scrap metal will be transformed into a showstopper thanks to the assistance of my brilliant friend Siobhan @interiorcurve. ATTEND THIS SPACE

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In the comments section, Ellie’s fans quickly expressed their joy and congratulated the TV star. This sounds fantastic, well done, according to one person! What a fantastic idea, another chimed in: Looking forward to the finished product.

Louis Tomlinson’s new album How Did I Get Here? has people saying same thing

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How Did I Get Here, Louis Tomlinson’s third solo album, will be released soon? It’s fair to say that he’s finally found his place in the music business after all, at last, and that’s all it’s got to do with him.

Nearby is Louis Tomlinson’s third solo album, which is moving. How Did I Get Here, his previous album, was released four years later? will finally be accessible by midnight.

And it’s fair to say that while Tomlinson has been experimenting with sounds since his time in One Direction came to an end, the 34-year-old is finally comfortable with his music. From crafting the record in the British countryside to heading out to Costa Rica for further inspiration, Tomlinson is finally being recognised for his artistry.

Tomlinson, from Doncaster, South Yorks, teased his third album with Lemonade, which was, to put it mildly, the perfect time. His album is undoubtedly defined by the energy of the song.

Author avatarDaniel Bird
Author avatarDaniel Bird

Louis claims that the song gave him the best chance of being played on mainstream radio, which had been a “f*ing fight” for him despite being one-fifth of the world’s largest band. Only recently are people acknowledging Tomlinson’s merits despite his obvious talent.

And despite previously receiving little to no airtime on the radio, he was still capable of choosing to play the classic pop tune. He remained committed to his own guns, as evidenced by his carefree album. It only made sense that Louis was dreaming of heaven while working in Costa Rica because he sings about being “sick and tired” of smoking in the rain in Sunshine.

Imposter undoubtedly cements Louis’ new, edgy sound elsewhere. He continues, “I tried to build a wall, but they’re paper thin,” before adding that he’s “so in awe” of someone who “it hurts.” And the track undoubtedly causes heart rate increases significantly.

However, it also explores Louis’ feelings of imposter syndrome, which he is deserving of recognition for. With its catchy hooks and beat, his song Lazy is undoubtedly deserving of an award.

Dark To Light, a track on the record, addresses the subject of grief, which Louis has previously discussed in the past because of his own experience with the worst kind of heartache: the loss of loved ones. There are only empty photographs, he sings, “There’s no phoenix from the flames.”

He then looks into whether more could have been done, asking, “I wish you could see how you look in my eyes… Would it make a difference?” Would you be enthralled by it? Louis delves into his rockier sound with artists like Palaces, where he sings, “You can stay for the night in the palaces of my mind,” while reflecting on every battle that is played out in front of millions.

The album’s three-discretionary, sunny, and electrifying How Did I Get Here, according to Rolling Stone UK? – It appears as though Tomlinson has finally found his voice outside of the band. In addition, The Independent wrote, “I doubt many listeners would be able to identify these as Tomlinson songs.” However, this is a likeable, grounded collection of sunny-side-up pop from a likeable, grounded man.

As he progresses as both lyricist and songwriter, this is an unafraid artist who will discover fresh layers of his craft. Not looking for reinvention for its own sake, but rather to find refinement in the process, he confronts questions of identity, resilience, and the weight of the road ahead of him. What Place Was I In? finds its strength in cohesion when the work is done by an artist who is open to complexity rather than to rushing toward resolution and who recognizes that growth can be slow, deliberate, and profoundly personal.

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Louis has a reputation for being a model for artists like Oasis, Robbie Williams, and The Fray, to name a few. And it is obvious that he enjoys playing his music the most here.

What Place Was I In? is available on January 23 via BMG.