‘Play like this against Barca and Arsenal will be punished’

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Four goals scored, three points earned, second place secured, one huge game left for Arsenal this season.

Renee Slegers’ side ensured they will go into their Champions League final against Barcelona on 24 May on the back of a victory, following a topsy-turvy 4-3 win over Manchester United on Saturday lunchtime.

There are reasons to be cheerful for the Gunners, who produced a display of real attacking verve at times against United, scoring three goals in 16 minutes after half-time while having 16 shots in total.

Even against the formidable reigning European champions Barca, who could seal another Liga F domestic title this weekend, Arsenal should be able to pose attacking questions.

Alessia Russo is the joint-winner of the Women’s Super League (WSL) Golden Boot with 12 goals, while Arsenal have won their past eight home league matches while scoring four or more goals every time.

But the concerns for Arsenal lie in defence, with 12 goals conceded in their past three WSL matches. Five shipped against Aston Villa, four in defeat by Brighton, then three to almost allow Manchester United back into the game.

The manner of the three United goals will cause concern too. Ella Toone was unmarked to head home and make it 1-1 after 13 minutes.

Then in the second half, with Arsenal seemingly safe three goals to the good, Katie McCabe’s dreadful pass square across the back four allowed Elisabeth Terland to score before the Irish defender fouled Celin Bizet to concede a penalty, converted by Maya le Tissier.

“Arsenal opened the door for Man Utd and that door should’ve been nailed shut at 4-1,” former England goalkeeper Rachel Brown-Finnis told BBC Two. “They know that anything remotely like this against Barcelona and they will be punished.

‘Arsenal’s biggest game since 2006’

Renee Slegers speaks to her Arsenal playersGetty Images

Slegers will have to solve the problem of a defence which has not kept a clean sheet in all competitions since March, against a Barcelona side which has scored 113 goals in 28 league games.

In Europe, Barca have been just as deadly with a remarkable 18 goals in four Champions League knockout ties. After netting 10 over two legs versus Wolfsburg, they put eight past runaway WSL champions Chelsea and could have had more.

Slegers has to find a way to cut out the defensive errors and loss of concentration which allowed United back into the match on Saturday. She also has to find a solution to the goalkeeper situation.

First choice Daphne van Domselaar has not played since the second leg against Lyon, which she featured in after a spell out with an ankle problem.

Her understudy Manuela Zinsberger has not convinced in the Dutchwoman’s absence, and Slegers will surely hope her first choice is available for the final.

What is certain is that Slegers will try to tighten up her back line while maintaining the attacking verve which has become Arsenal’s trademark since she replaced Jonas Eidevall as manager earlier this season.

As well as Russo finding her shooting boots under Slegers – 12 goals in 20 appearances – winger Chloe Kelly has a new lease of life since joining on loan in January, while attacking midfielder Mariona Caldentey must rank as one of the signings of the season as she prepares to face former club Barca.

“I felt like Arsenal let Man Utd back in the game towards the end of the first half, but the second half is what we’ve come to expect with the high press and finishing,” former Gunners player Fara Williams told BBC Two.

“Then the lapse of concentration is something they can’t afford to do in the Champions League final in a few weeks’ time.

Arsenal and Man Utd gear up for underdog roles

Manuela ZinsbergerGetty Images

The Arsenal players gave no indication of wanting to give up on their attacking outlook for the final.

“We showed in the final third today we were great,” Kelly told the BBC. “We’ve got a lot of training in our legs to get through to be ready for the final.”

Arsenal captain Kim Little added: “The most important thing is to communicate and make sure you’re fluid. When we do that well, we’re at our best.

“That is part of our game – we are one of the teams that are in the press the most. Against Barcelona, they are one of the best teams in the world so we’ll have to take that into consideration.”

Manchester United meanwhile are preparing for a major final of their own, as they defend the FA Cup against Chelsea at Wembley next weekend.

Marc Skinner’s side are winless in four, with two draws plus defeats by the Blues and Arsenal – the two sides above them in the WSL – to round out an uneven league campaign.

“The WSL is done now. The FA Cup final is a different game,” Skinner told the BBC. “We had to chase the game, we had to win it if we were going to finish second.

“We’ll have a plan against Chelsea. I just think it’ll be a completely different game.”

“We know what it takes to play in the FA Cup – we’ve got all week to prepare ourselves,” added Toone. “It’s a final so anything can happen.”

Both Arsenal and United will start as underdogs in their respective finals. If they can bring the same attacking prowess they showed on Saturday, they could both cause an upset.

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Maggie Gyllenhaal’s daughter arrested over pro-Palestine demonstration at university

Maggie Gyllenhaal’s daughter Ramona Sarsgaard has been arrested amid a pro-Palestinian demonstration at Columbia University that saw the main campus library shut down

Maggie Gyllenhaal’s daughter Ramona has been arrested

Maggie Gyllenhaal’s daughter, Ramona Sarsgaard, has found herself in hot water after getting arrested following a pro-Palestinian demonstration at Columbia University. The 18-year-old student was slapped with a “desk appearance ticket for criminal trespassing,” according to reports.

Ramona was allegedly amongst the crowd of some 80 people rallying outside the academic institution’s Butler Library during the peak of finals week. During the protest, it was reported that some students took to standing on desks inside the library shouting out “Free Palestine.”

Additionally, they taped messages on tables and unfurled a banner from the bookcases emblazoned with, “Columbia will burn.”

At least two university security personnel sustained injuries. The New York Police Department descended on the scene, resulting in a total of 80 arrests, reports the Mirror US.

Maggie Gyllenhaal and Ramona Sarsgaard
Maggie is yet to address Ramona’s arrest(Image: Victor Boyko/Getty Images)

Fox News reports the crowd was composed of 19 males and 61 females, who were hauled off by authorities. A source told the news network that no less than 65 of those detained by police were enrolled students at the prestigious Ivy League school.

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The NYPD dispersed the demonstration, with circulating video clips capturing protesters being paraded out of the building in zip ties and onto police buses. Beyond the arrests, there have been reports of 65 suspensions handed out to students.

It remains uncertain whether Ramona faced suspension. Meanwhile, another 33 people, including affiliates of the institution, have been interdicted from the campus premises post-protest.

Maggie Gyllenhaal, who is the older sister of actor Jake Gyllenhaal, has yet to break her silence regarding the incident involving her daughter.

Ramona’s mum Maggie is also a Columbia University alumnus, where she studied English Literature before shining on the silver screen in blockbusters like The Dark Knight. Maggie and her husband, Peter Sarsgaard, were over the moon to welcome Ramona into their lives as well as daughter Gloria.

Acting talents Maggie and Peter have both dipped their toes in cinematic ventures delving into aspects of the Israel-Palestinian conflict. Maggie made waves as a British-Israeli tycoon championing peace between Israel and Palestine in the acclaimed miniseries The Honorable Woman.

Discussing the series with the Hollywood Reporter, Maggie remarked: “It can be so difficult to have a conversation about what is happening in Israel and Palestine right now.

“[The show] very consciously does not take a side; it doesn’t say, ‘We believe this, and we don’t believe that.’ We lay out aspects of the conflict, and we ask the audience to think and feel for themselves.”

Peter took on a role in September 5, a dramatic retelling of the 1972 Munich Massacre’s tragic events, when Palestinian terrorists targeted the Olympic Games, holding Israeli athletes at knife-point.

The Mirror has contacted Maggie’s representatives for comment.

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Hull KR beat Catalans to reach Challenge Cup final

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Betfred Challenge Cup semi-final

Hull KR (16) 36

Tries: Batchelor 2, Lewis, Broadbent 2, Burgess Goals: Lewis 6

Catalans (12) 12

Hull KR reached the Challenge Cup for the second time in three seasons, after overpowering Catalans Dragons 36-12 in York.

James Batchelor crossed within four minutes and then claimed a second score after a lengthy video review to put Rovers on top.

Two tries in five minutes from Reimis Smith and Luke Keary put Les Dracs ahead, but Mikey Lewis wrestled back a narrow 16-12 lead before the break.

Hull KR restarted with high intensity as Lewis, who contributed 16 points, booted a penalty before Jack Broadbent’s scorching run opened up a 12-point cushion.

Hopes rising in Humberside

Hull KR have gone 40 years without a major trophy and lifted their only Challenge Cup even further back, in 1980.

But hopes are sky high in Humberside, with Rovers sitting top of Super League and now in their ninth Challenge Cup final after an emphatic second-half display.

KR showed first as both sides ignored the unusually high spring temperatures and went full-tilt in a breathless first half.

Batchelor chased down Lewis’ kick through to score after Guillermo Aispuro-Bichet failed to punch the ball out of the in-goal area, and then added a hotly-debated second try after a lengthy video review.

Matthieu Laguerre appeared to ground the ball at the same time as the second-rower, but video referee Ben Thaler could not overrule Chris Kendall’s on-field decision to award the try.

Dragons offered little in attack in the opening 15 minutes but then exploded into life, as Smith cut back inside to split open the Rovers defence and cross near the posts.

And when Keary chased down a chip ahead soon after, Thaler did this time overrule Kendall – who had called offside – as the Dragons pinched the lead.

Catalans went close to extending that lead moments later, but Julian Bousquet’s rash flicked offload just metres from the line instead found a Rovers hand.

But the match turned again before half-time as Jai Whitbread’s brilliant offload in the tackle sent Lewis flying over to restore the Hull KR advantage.

Lewis booted a penalty as Rovers piled on the pressure after the restart and then cracked the French side when Broadbent spotted a gap and launched a scorching diagonal run through to the posts.

Jez Litten’s thrilling run from his own half sparked a breathless move which fell just short, but KR killed the game with 10 minutes left as Catalans visibly wilted.

Hull KR: Broadbent; Davies, Hiku, Batchelor, Burgess; Lewis, May; Sue, Litten, Waerea-Hargreaves, Hadley, Whitbread, Minchella.

Interchanges: Luckley, Tanginoa, Brown, Leyland.

Catalans: Aispuro-Bichet; Makinson, Laguerre, Smith, Cotric; Keary, Fages; Pangai Jr, Da Costa, Bousquet, Sims, Whitehead, Partington.

Interchanges: Satae, Navarette, Seguier, Sironen.

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Mickey Callisto vows to ‘bring the full Freddie experience’ to Britain’s Got Talent semi-final

EXCLUSIVE: The intergalactic-inspired singer is set to return to the Britain’s Got Talent stage for the ITV show’s third live semi-final this evening

Mickey is gearing up for an explosive semi final tonight on Britain’s Got Talent

Mickey Callisto is set to dazzle once again as he returns to the Britain’s Got Talent stage tonight for the third live semi-final – and he’s promising nothing short of a “passion-packed, flamboyant” performance that’ll light up Saturday night TV.

The intergalactic-inspired singer, whose Freddie Mercury tribute wowed judges and viewers earlier in the series, is aiming to book his place in the grand final and edge closer to the life-changing £250,000 prize and a coveted spot at the Royal Variety Performance.

“Like always I am very excited just to be able to perform again for the nation!” Mickey tells us exclusively. “The stage is where I am happiest and to entertain people is the only thing I was born to do.”

Rock icon Freddie Mercury
Rock icon Freddie Mercury was adored around the world as the frontman of Queen

With eight acts competing tonight – including Electric Umbrella, Bao, Jasmine Rice and gymnast Albert Amores – the stakes couldn’t be higher. Only two acts will make it through to the final, either via the public vote or a Golden Buzzer from the judges.

Mickey, who says his performance will be full of “passion, flare, flamboyance but most of all fun,” is fully aware of the expectations, especially performing in front of Bruno Tonioli – who once counted Queen frontman Freddie Mercury as a friend.

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“To perform for Bruno who actually knew Freddie is a great thing in itself. There is always pressure but I would like to think I was doing the Queen fans proud too and of course my fans,” he says. He adds, “I hope Freddie would have loved it. He taught me to sing with passion and make people feel involved in the performance. I think he would have liked Simon for his honesty and also sense of humour.”

His show-stopping audition not only earned him a standing ovation but also helped bring Queen back into the UK charts – something Mickey describes as “like scoring a goal for your favourite football team.”

“Not many things make me shed a tear but I certainly did seeing that,” he said. “To think I have contributed to their already phenomenal legacy… It was a very proud moment.”

MICKEY CALLISTO
Mickey’s act is based off an impression of Freddie Mercury

Off-stage, Mickey is a self-described space fanatic and football lover who writes and produces all of his own music. His alter ego was born out of a fascination with astronomy. “Callisto is one of the 4 Galilean moons of Jupiter,” he explains. “My star sign is Sagittarius which rules Jupiter in astrology – hence Mickey Callisto.”

Fans can expect another glam look this evening – and yes, he’s ready to compete with Amanda Holden in the style stakes. “Of course it will be a glam outfit,” he laughs. “You’ll definitely have the passion of Freddie but you will be getting the full Mickey experience.”

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The Britain’s Got Talent semi-finals continue tonight on ITV1, with guest appearances from musical Just For One Day and last year’s winner Sydnie Christmas — who Mickey says is “a great personality as well as being an amazing singer.”

Could Mickey be next in line for the BGT crown? He’s dreaming big: “One is perform at Wembley Stadium and also the Stadium of Light… Whether I sing Queen or my own songs, I receive the same response.”

GBBO’s Prue Leith shuts down husband’s fear of being outlived with blunt response

Great British Bake Off judge Dame Prue Leith has been married to John Playfair since 2016, following the death of her first husband Rayne Kruger

Dame Prue Leith gave a defiant two-word reply to John Playfair’s fear about a dog outliving him

Dame Prue Leith, the culinary legend from Great British Bake Off, has shared her husband’s fears of adopting a new dog that might outlive him. The restaurateur and baking sensation has become a familiar face on our screens through her various TV stints.

The 85-year-old is perhaps best known for her stint as a judge on Channel 4’s Great British Bake Off, where she joins Paul Hollywood at the judging table. In her personal life, Dame Prue is married to John Playfair, whom she met at a dinner party in Yorkshire, following the death of her first husband Rayne Kruger.

The couple tied the knot in 2016, and while they share a loving home with their two Cavalier King Charles spaniels, they’re in discussions about whether or not they should add another furry friend to the mix.

Dame Prue Leith and John Playfair
Dame Prue and John have been married since 2016(Image: Getty Images)

John voiced his concern that any new pet might outlive him, but Dame Prue has been having none of it, reportedly dismissing his apprehension with a firm: “What nonsense”, when she spoke to the Times.

In addition to this, the expert baker has been frank about her own age, expressing on the Travel Diaries podcast: “I haven’t got much longer, I’m 85, I want to spend as much time as I can with him.”

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The Bake Off judge has also discussed the dynamics of her relationship, praising her husband’s down-to-earth nature.

She said: “One of the wonderful things about him is that he is totally without ego, he doesn’t feel threatened by the fact that I have a higher profile than he does, when I introduce him (to people) he always just says, ‘I’m the handbag carrier, I’m her chauffeur’.”

Her journey in the culinary world began at the age of just 20 when she trained at the Cordon Bleu Cookery School. This led to an impressive career that includes launching her own restaurant.

Dame Prue later joined The Great British Bake Off in 2017, when she replaced Dame Mary Berry. Eight years on, and she’s started to talk about life after the popular baking programme.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 20: Prue Leith and John Playfair attend the National Portrait Gallery's reopening in front of
Dame Prue Leith gave a defiant two-word reply to John Playfair’s fear about a dog outliving him(Image: Dave Benett, Dave Benett/Getty Images for The National Portrait Gallery)

Speaking to the Mail On Sunday earlier this year, she admitted that she would take part in the 2025 edition, but didn’t know if she would be around in future seasons.

She explained: “I’m doing this year’s Bake Off, and I don’t know if this will be my last. I’ve got to stop some time, so I might stop next year. I thought I’d just see how I go this year, because I definitely feel a bit older this year than I did last year.

“Things like getting out of a chair takes me longer than it used to. I don’t like big steps without a handrail. None of these things worried me two years ago – I could run upstairs – and so I’m very keen to leave Bake Off before I’m asked to leave.”

Dame Prue has also graced screens on some of the nation’s most cherished shows, including The Great British Menu and Prue’s Cotswold Kitchen.

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Yungblud says he’s ‘calmer than ever’ after confronting his demons and taking up boxing

EXCLUSIVE: The singer, 27, is coming out fighting with his new music – and he’s not shying away from the hard topics to climb the charts either

Yungblud is releasing new music amid of confronting his demons

Yungblud is coming out fighting with his new music. He’s confronted his demons, taken up boxing and is battling against toxic masculinity. And what he delivers with album Idols really packs a punch.

“I really had to face myself… figure it out and face it,” he tells. And Yungblud, 27, reckons he has really grown in the process. “I would use food and alcohol to distract myself and push things down,” he says.

“The album is a mirror to that. I have singing lessons. I don’t drink as much and I’ve been getting better at sleeping. I’ve been getting better at being able to navigate this whole thing better – that’s been epic.”

Yungblud
Yungblud says his album is a mirror to his demons

Idols is Yungblud’s fourth studio release, the first coming out in 2018. He filmed the music video for single Hello Heaven shirtless during a -14C blizzard in Bulgaria – and is enjoying flashing the flesh.

Having previously opened up about his battle with body dysmorphia, the Doncaster rocker – real name Dominic Harrison – tells how he has now “cut out people that were not good” for him, and that posing topless for his album promo is a “kickback against those people”.

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Yungblud is not shying away from hard topics to climb the charts either. He says: “Me and my friends were talking about sexuality. It was what young people were talking about but it wasn’t being represented in music at all. It was kind of like, ‘Oh, don’t sing about that. It’s too political to go on Radio One.’

“I was like, ‘This is what people want to hear, this is what I want to say, this is what I want to sing about’.” After his last album, Yungblud opened up about the fear of being predictable – but that is one thing you can’t accuse him of with this record.

YungBlud
Yungblud wants to be a positive role model for other men

“People knew exactly what I would sing, wear and say,” he says. “I was repeating myself and I was starting to not tell the truth.

“The past two years has been a real reset for me to provide a new outlet and a new journey. I feel calmer than I’ve ever felt because it’s truly written. If it’s not real, people can smell it”.

Describing the creative process, he said: “It’s like crying or having an orgasm… it just comes out of you without f***ing responsibility or consequence”. And Yungblud, who recently took up boxing with a trainer in LA, wants to be a positive role model for other men.

Previously addressing the issue on Jamie Laing’s podcast Great Company, and referencing hit Netflix series Adolescence, he says: “What I see are these psychos like Andrew Tate and this toxically poisonous stuff that young men are consuming.

Yungblud
Yungblud will be heading on tour soon

“I really feel like there needs to be people who embrace masculinity and embrace this element of physical activity, but also do it like me – from a place of law, respect and equality.

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“I want to portray that it’s cool to embrace masculinity in a new way that highlights emotions but respects that there isn’t just this kind of old school idea that’s being peddled.”

Idols is out on June 20 and Yungblud’s world tour starts in LA on August 23. Bludfest in Milton Keynes on June 21 is his only UK date this year.