India 150-5 (19.4 overs): Tilak 69* (53), Faheem 3-29
By five wickets, India won.
In a tense final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, India won the Asia Cup by five wickets over Pakistan.
The rivals’ third appearance at the tournament was a success for India, which earned them their ninth title.
Similar to the two earlier fractious encounters, both sides once more refused to shake hands.
The India players did not come back for the trophy presentation, according to reports that Mohsin Naqvi, the president of the Asian Cricket Council, and Mohsin Naqvi, the president of the Pakistan Cricket Board, were present.
Sahibzada Farhan (57) and Fakhar Zaman (46), who were made to bat first, put together an impressive opening stand of 84.
With 44 balls remaining in the innings, they rallied to 113-1, but the subsequent collapse would be dramatic and have an impact on the outcome.
In their opening three overs, India themselves lost three wickets, giving Pakistan hope, and they themselves started poorly.
However, Tilak Varma’s fine unbeaten 69 helped them to avenge, while Shivam Dube (33) and Sanju Samson (24) provided much-needed support as they won with two balls to go.
It’s been incredible to continue winning in the tournament, said Test captain Shubman Gill. We knew we had to play the game as fully as we could when times were difficult.
Newcastle United held on to a commanding lead at St James’ Park with 83 minutes remaining on the clock thanks to a deft header from Nick Woltemade.
And it appeared to be one of those visitors’ days.
Following Nick Pope’s apparent attempt to down Viktor Gyokeres, a penalty award had previously been overturned following a video assistant referee’s (VAR) intervention.
An effort was smashed off the post, according to Leandro Trossard.
Eberechi Eze and Jurrien Timber both made excellent saves to keep out one more and Pope made superb saves.
Arsenal won thanks to Gabriel’s dramatic stoppage-time goal, but they also came equal through substitute Mikel Merino.
No wonder Mikel Arteta’s side fought back from the touchline with ferocious celebrations as they moved within a point of Liverpool, the league’s top team.
He told Match of the Day, “Wow, what a feeling to win in the manner that we have done.” At the conclusion of the match, “football is about going through emotions and going through things,” and today we had one of those emotions.
That is the entry point for a different level. by experiencing those circumstances and absorbing the lessons.
Arteta uses trump cards
On recent visits to St. James’, Arteta has experienced completely different emotions.
In all competitions, Newcastle had previously defeated Arsenal three times at home.
These games have historically had a certain edge that has allowed Newcastle to extract its best from each other.
And Eddie Howe, the head coach of Newcastle, has frequently said that his players play better when they encounter that “sweet spot of aggression and competitiveness.”
Before the game, midfielder Joelinton yelled, “We are competitors. We want to compete, “. We want to win.
Jamaal Lascelles wrote in his pre-match programme notes that playing at a febrile St James “makes you feel like you can run through a brick wall” as if Joelinton’s words didn’t upend his team-mates enough.
Arsenal had to overcome that obstacle, not the least of which when the home support roared at tackles and blocks in the first half.
Even “Mikel Arteta – it must be the ball” was used as a rip-off for the Arsenal manager’s explanation for how his team failed to hit the target in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final last year.
However, Arteta also had a few well-known trump cards to turn to, including his bench and set-plays, for the first time.
Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Martinelli had previously collaborated for Manchester City’s equaliser. After coming off the bench against Athletic Club in the Champions League, Martinelli and Trossard both scored. Trossard’s substitution substitution helped seal Port Vale’s midweek EFL Cup victory.
“Keep doing what we do,” the message is.
What do these sets-plays and this side have in common?
In order to put this context, Arsenal has scored 36 goals from corners in the Premier League since the start of the 2023-24 season, which is 15 more than any other team during that time.
This game was ultimately turned on its head by Arsenal’s set-piece prowess.
Arsenal took a short corner in the opening frame before Declan Rice swung the ball into the box in the 84th minute.
In front of Sven Botman, Merino tapped the ball in off the post.
And Joe Hart, a match of the day pundit, knew the decision to cut short.
The former Manchester City goalkeeper told BBC Sport that Rice was willing to “do something off the cuff” to score the goal. That is someone who is unconcerned with the issues Arsenal was facing, that was someone looking for a solution, and that was the solution at that time.
When he needs to make those last-ditch tackles, he does it, and when he needs to do something special, like that kind of blind round the corner ball that Merino’s team needed, that is what he does.
Merino had previously spent a year at Newcastle, but there was no chance the Spaniard would be able to control his celebration by punching the air.
However, the fact that each Arsenal player raced backwards to get the game back on track was instructive.
They were aware that a new twist was about to occur, and it did so in the 96th minute.
Arsenal went right after conceding an equalizer before Martin Odegaard found Gabriel, who headed home with a near post.
Even though this side make it a habit to score late goals, the away end ended up in the gods could scarcely believe it.
That demonstrates both set-pieces strategy and mentality, Mentoro told Match of the Day. If six or seven corners are not scored by other teams, they lose faith in the qualities.
“But for us, it’s a matter of keeping doing what we do, doing it at the highest level, and ultimately, the final one, the last second, we scored,” he said.
The Gunners’ ability to pass this was still in its early stages, of course, but it did seem like a good one to put the title challengers to the test.
After watching Liverpool’s team’s 2-1 defeat against Crystal Palace on Saturday, Arteta’s men ultimately took advantage.
Arsenal have now closed the gap, closing it five points clear of them.
Ellen White, the record-scorer for England women, told BBC Sport, “The character they showed today was as impressive as the result.” “They have had some difficult games there recently and some things aren’t quite going their way because St. James’ Park has been such a difficult place for them to go.”
In a thrilling and contentious Asia Cup 2025 final in Dubai, Tilak Varma has stayed on his nerve with an unbeaten innings of 69 runs to lead India home.
As India chased 147 in the politically charged tournament decider on Sunday, the champions refused to accept the winner’s trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi while the champions were two wickets down for 10 runs in the third over.
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The third time the tournament’s third India vs. Pakistan match was contested, and once more it was a controversy as players and tournament organizers waited outside for more than an hour to prepare for the post-match presentation.
Presenter Simon Doull revealed that Naqvi, who is also the president of the Pakistan Cricket Board and interior minister of Pakistan, would not attend the ceremony and would not collect their medals or the Asia Cup trophy.
After the ceremony was over, the Indian team “rejects” the trophy from Pakistan minister Mohsin Naqvi, head of the ACC, and the press trust of India.
However, top bowlers Kuldeep Yadav, Abhishek Sharma, and India’s final-winning player Varma did not approach the presentation area to collect their checks, but instead, they did so from Naqvi.
Suryakumar Yadav, India’s captain, and his team celebrated their ninth Asia Cup triumph with a mock trophy moments later.
Suryakumar Yadav, the captain of India, poses with the trophy as he parades over to his teammates to celebrate winning the Asia Cup [Raghed Waked/Reuters]
Varma, 22, who is 22 years old, contributed to India’s victory with his measured innings, which included four sixes and three fours, in 53 balls.
When Pakistan’s medium-pace bowler Faheem Ashraf dismissed their star batter and tournament’s top run scorer, Abhishek, for five runs on the first ball of India’s second over, the run chase was dented. He was caught midway through a misplaced attempt at a six.
Soon after, Suryakumar was hit by Salman Agha, Salman Agha’s Pakistani counterpart, as the Indian captain hit his fifth ball midway through Salman Agha for a diving catch.
The opener Gill and Varma were then responsible for setting the tone for India, but Gill left nine balls later to Ashraf. Sanju Samson, a leg-spinner, threw an innings of 24 before falling to leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed.
In addition to Hardik Pandya, new batter Shivam Dube, who had previously assumed the role of opening India’s bowling responsibilities, played a supporting role in Varma’s innings.
Pakistan did a good job bowling, but the fielders did not fully support them because Mohammad Haris, who was slow to remove the bails as Varma dived in, dropped two catches and missed a crucial run-out chance.
With six balls and nine runs left, Varma and Dube led India to victory, only for Dube to fall.
In the Indian camp, Rinku Singh, who took Pandya’s place in the final, faced one ball and fired the winning runs.
At the conclusion of the Asia Cup 2025 final at the Dubai International Stadium, India’s Tilak Varma salutes his nation’s victory over Pakistan.
Before Farhan was dismissed for 57 off 38 in the 10th over, Pakistan had a strong opening innings with 84 from Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman.
After being dismissed, none of the Pakistan batters could post more than nine runs after Zaman (46 off 35). They then formed a brief partnership with Saim Ayub, who scored 14 runs.
As they came to an end in their final innings in 19.1 overs, the green team lost from 113-2 to 146 all out in 38 balls.
With four wickets and 30 runs in his four overs, Yadav won the bowlers’ choice for India. A wicket apiece was taken by Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, and Axar Patel.
Real Madrid is monitoring the Chelsea pair, Bernardo Silva is considering a move to Saudi Arabia, and Manchester United wants Dusan Vlahovic in January.
Dusan Vlahovic, 25, is a striker from Serbia who Manchester United are interested in signing in January. (Gazetta-in-Itali)
When his contract expires next summer, Portugal midfielder Bernardo Silva, 31, may relocate to Saudi Arabia. (Talksport)
Joao Neves, 21, is a top target for Manchester City, but Paris St-Germain are likely to reject an approach. Football Insider
The La Liga side wants about £100 million for the 25-year-old Argentina forward Julian Alvarez, but Liverpool are likely to be priced out of a move. Football Insider
Enzo Fernandez, 24, and Moises Caicedo, 23, both from Argentina, are currently on Real Madrid’s radar. (TBR Football)
If Ruben Amorim is replaced, Gareth Southgate will be placed in the three-man shortlist for the job. (Talksport)
In response to Premier League clubs’ interest, AC Milan has begun discussions with England defender Fikayo Tomori, 27, about a new contract. (Romano-Fabrizio)
With a 2-1 win over Real Sociedad on Sunday and a point difference, Lamine Yamal’s return from injury helped Barcelona to top La Liga.
After Real Madrid’s rivals Atletico Madrid lost 5-2 in a Saturday derby, Hansi Flick’s side had a chance to take the lead over Xabi Alonso’s side.
Real Sociedad took the lead in the first half thanks to Alvaro Odriozola, but Jules Kounde equalized for the Spanish champions.
Robert Lewandowski scored the winner just moments after being substituted for second-half substitute Yamal, who had groin injuries for the previous four games.
Kounde told Movistar, “I’m very happy for (Yamal) and very pleased that we will need him back on the pitch.”
After the city council earlier this week denied them a permit to reopen their Camp Nou home, Barcelona held the game at the Olympic stadium, where they have played for the past two seasons.
In addition to replacing injured goalkeeper Joan Garcia with Roony Bardghji on the right wing, Flick also made the debut of 17-year-old attacking midfielder Dro Fernandez.
In the opening period, Barcelona had a difficult time stopping Real Sociedad goalkeeper Alex Remiro.
Marcus Rashford was denied in the opening period by the Spain international.
READ MORE:  , Arsenal Strike Late To Beat Newcastle, Close In On Liverpool
Rashford, who is out on loan from Manchester United, is finding his footing at Barca thanks to Lewandowski’s superb through ball, which he fired from a tight angle across the face of goal.
After 31 minutes, Real Sociedad gave Barca a sharp counterattack to start the scoring.
Ander Barrenetxea’s cross was completed by former Real Madrid defender Odriozola.
Remiro was once more in their path when Barcelona increased their lead when a Koundé cross was deflected in his direction.
Bardghji’s effort was also headed away for a corner by Remiro, who scored the equalizer for Barcelona.
In midweek, Rashford, who had an assist from a corner against Real Oviedo, whipped it to the near post, where Koundé headed home from.
Yamal’s Retainment
Before the hour mark, Yamal was introduced after the teenager recovered from his groin issue, and Dro was replaced by Dani Olmo at half-time.
Yamal immediately made an immediate impact after being chosen as the second-best player in the world on Monday at the Ballon d’Or gala.
Just over a minute after being introduced, the 18-year-old crossed for Lewandowski to head home from the post.
Remiro denied Rashford and Olmo with two more excellent saves, while Szczesny pulled one back from Oyarzabal for La Real, which gave Barcelona a few scares.
Both sides hit the crossbar repeatedly, and the game became more and more chaotic.
Real Sociedad worked the ball to Takefusa Kubo, who crashed a shot against the woodwork while Kounde was daydreaming in midfield.
The hosts were unpunished when Barcelona broke away and Lewandowski was sent off for him. Ferran Torres hit the crossbar successfully to put the game to bed.
We suffered too much in our final 25 minutes, Kounde said, “It was a challenging game.”
“The first 70 minutes were quite good, we could have scored more goals,” I thought, but I disliked how it ended.
On Wednesday, Barcelona will play Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, which will also take place at the Olympic Stadium.
Real Sociedad have a difficult start to the season, finishing 17th, but they have been improving and will take comfort from the strain Barca has placed upon.
Odriozola remarked, “I’m proud of the team’s work despite the defeat.” “We have had a difficult start, and today we showed up.”
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) is accused of firing employees by the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC).
The union said it would call a national strike immediately if its demands were ignored, according to a statement signed by its Secretary General, Nuhu Toro.
The dismissal action was described as “a direct assault on Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution,” according to PENGASSAN and TUC.
He claimed that Nigeria’s obligations under ILO conventions were also violated by the sackings.
In a statement released on Saturday, Toro declared, “We stand in full solidarity with the affected workers and with PENGASSAN.”
The TUC demanded that all employees who had been fired be immediately and unconditionally reinstated.
Additionally, it expressed concern about future victimization and demanded a public apology from the refinery’s management.
Toro urged stakeholders, the ILO, and the Ministry of Labour to launch an independent investigation.
He warned that potential national industrial action had been raised for all affiliates.
He said that no company, regardless of size, can violate workers’ rights.
PENGASSAN Orders a Nationwide Shutdown
PENGASSAN accused Dangote Refinery of unfair treatment of Nigerian workers and anti-labour practices.
The refinery was accused of “unjustly terminating over 800 Nigerian workers” by the association. They claimed that the company replaced them with “more than 2, 000 Indians,” raising questions about labor rights and the law’s application.
PENGASSAN mandated a total shutdown, which furthered the conflict.  ,
The organization described the move as “an affront to all Nigerian workers,” according to a statement released by its General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa.
Read more about Dangote Refinery’s plan to shut down its crude supply in “Brazen Display Of Lawlessness.”
Instead of engaging in constructive dialogue with the union, the refinery chose “misinformation and propaganda.”
Members of PENGASSAN were instructed to immediately stop the refinery’s gas and crude supply.
According to the circular, “every control room, panel, and outfield operation must end immediately.”
Additionally, the directive mandated branch chairmen to stop vessel loading and shut down the supply valves for crude oil.
Members in field settings were instructed to end services and practice 24-hour prayers starting on Sunday. The union forewarned that the strike would continue until the fired workers were reinstated.
“All PENGASSAN employees, employees, and institutions must end their employment on Monday. One person’s injury is the same as one’s. No one is more powerful than our nation, the statement said.
Dangote Refinery Reacts to Retardance
In May of 2023, the Dangote Refinery was put into operation.
However, Refinery’s Dangote  stated that the recent restructuring, which resulted in staff dismissals, was necessary “to prevent sabotage and ensure safety.”
The decision, according to the company, was intended to protect operations and “improve efficiency across refinery units.”
More than 3, 000 Nigerians are still employed, despite the fact that only a select few of them were affected.
Dangote pledged to continue hiring local talent while promoting the rights of workers’ freedom to choose whether or not to join a union.
The refinery criticized the decision as a “brazen display of lawlessness and criminality” in response to PENGASSAN’s directive as well.
No law allows PENGASSAN to stop receiving crude oil and gas, according to the business.
It emphasized that supply agreements must not be stymied and were signed with vendors, not the union.
The refinery continued, “This directive is criminal conduct and a path to chaos and anarchy.”
The organization charged the union with sabotage of the Nigerian government and its citizens. It warned that a shortage of supplies would cause cooking gas, gasoline, kerosene, diesel, and aviation fuel.
Every Nigerian, rich or poor, needs these products, according to the refinery’s statement.
Additionally, it claimed that the strike might lead to lower refinery revenue.
According to the management, “Dangote Refinery contributes one of the most to state and national revenues.”
It demanded that the Federal Government step in and stop what it termed “reckless and irresponsible conduct.”
Dangote Refinery has previously engaged in labor union fighting.
