bbc--2020-12-23--'We have to start lifting trophies' - Cavani stunner sends Man Utd into EFL Cup semis

Last updated on .From the section League Cup Captain Harry Maguire said Manchester United `` have to start lifting trophies '' after they set up a Carabao Cup semi-final against rivals Manchester City with a late win at Everton .
Cavani 's stunning curling effort from 20 yards opened the scoring in front of 2,000 fans , just as the game looked set to head to penalties .
With Everton chasing the game , substitute Martial added a second in stoppage time to send Ole Gunnar Solskjaer one step closer to earning his first trophy as United boss .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' said Maguire .
`` It 's important to reach these big games but we have to start winning them and lift some trophies for this club .
`` It was an excellent performance and we should have been out of sight , we had three or four great chances .
We need to be more clinical . ''
Everton were lacklustre in the second half , after Richarlison went off injured , having promised much in the first period , with Gylfi Sigurdsson 's free-kick testing Dean Henderson .
Defeat for Carlo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three successive wins which has lifted them to fourth in the Premier League table .
United continued their upsurge over the last month with a victory which means they have now won all nine of their domestic away games this season - a run which has seen them go third in the Premier League table with a game in hand on their rivals .
Despite making nine changes to the team which beat Leeds on Sunday after going 2-0 up inside three minutes , Solskjaer 's side began with a similar intensity but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Everton team whose defence has improved in recent games .
In keeping with their 3-1 win at Goodison last month , Bruno Fernandes was at the heart of their endeavour and in Cavani , they had a striker with a keen eye for goal despite missing the last few games through injury .
It was an eventful night for the former Paris St-Germain forward , who joined United in October .
Having tested Everton keeper Robin Olsen early on , he was then involved in an off-the-ball incident with Yerry Mina where he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Without the use of VAR until the semi-finals , neither player was punished .
There were also chances for Mason Greenwood and Paul Pogba but once Everton found their feet midway through the first half , United found it hard to break down their opponents .
With the game petering out in the second half , Solskjaer sent on Marcus Rashford and Martial in search of a goal , but neither appeared to provide a spark .
That was until Martial found space on the counter attack to feed Cavani , who cut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ corner with a rasping strike for his fourth of the season .
With Everton committing players forward to take the game to spot-kicks , they allowed United to break twice more with Fernandes hitting the post on one surge before Martial finished a slick move for his fourth of the season too .
Having slipped up in three cup semi-finals last season , Solskjaer said he was `` desperate '' for silverware this campaign , and his side are showing signs they could win a first trophy for the club since their 2017 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help Everton as trophy search continues Everton 's improvement in their last three games has been buoyed by being one of a handful of teams who can now allow fans into their stadium .
But on a cold and wet night at Goodison Park , where the supporters did their best to raise the team , Ancelotti 's side could not find a rhythm to overly trouble United , who looked like they had the extra guile to win the tie .
Much of Everton 's recent success has come by holding firm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attack , and there were moments when Henderson was called into action to deny Sigurdsson and Calvert-Lewin .
But much of their endeavour came from set-pieces , and when they lost Richarlison to what looked like a head injury following a collision with Eric Bailly , they struggled to get in behind the United defence .
Before the break , it was the much improved Sigurdsson who provided the hosts ' biggest threat , with his corner teeing up Calvert-Lewin and a weaving run leading to a blocked shot before his fizzing free-kick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finish , the fans in the Gwladys Street End urged an equaliser as Godfrey 's shot was stopped , but Ancelotti 's side missed out on a first semi-final since 2016 as their search for a first trophy since their 1995 FA Cup win continues .
'We have no regrets ' - what they said Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti said : `` We are disappointed because it was an important competition for us .
We have no regrets because the team performed .
`` We had a difficult start but after 20 minutes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` In the second half we did n't give an opportunity against a team which is really strong .
We performed defensively , we were good until the end , we were close to the penalties but anyway no regrets , absolutely . ''
Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said : `` We had three semi-finals last year and it is a step not far enough .
`` It was an excellent performance from the beginning .
I thought we should have been one or two goals up at least .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under pressure and created loads of chances but you always know it will be difficult against Everton and they pegged us back in the last 15 minutes of the first half .
`` We defended well and in the second half it was tight but we had a little bit of an upper hand . ''
Everton return to the Premier League with a trip to bottom of the table Sheffield United on 26 December , before hosting Manchester City two days later .
Manchester United are away at Leicester on Boxing Day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on 29 December .
• None Manchester United have reached the League Cup semi-finals for the 16th time , second only to Liverpool ( 17 ) in the competition 's history .
• None Everton failed to register a shot on target in the second half , with Gylfi Sigurdsson having 57 % of their total attempts tonight ( 4/7 ) .
• None This was United 's third clean sheet in 12 away games in all competitions this season , with all of these shutouts coming in the League Cup .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their last 25 away games in all competitions , since a 0-2 defeat at Liverpool in January .
• None United are the first team to win away at Everton twice in the same season since Chelsea in the 2007-08 campaign .
• None This was United 's 14th consecutive away win in domestic competition , with the Red Devils last failing to win on the road in non-European competition against Spurs back in June ( 1-1 ) .
• None Martial is the third substitute to both score and assist a goal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season ( Greenwood v Luton , Cavani v Southampton ) , with no sub having done this for the club in either 2018-19 or 2019-20 .
• None Cavani 's late winner for came from his fourth shot on target in the match , which was one more than Everton managed .
• None Who are the greatest Premier League captains ?
• None The best Christmas songs performed by the biggest artists

Last updated on .From the section League Cup
Edinson Cavani scored his fourth goal of the season and his second against Everton
Captain Harry Maguire said Manchester United "have to start lifting trophies" after they set up a Carabao Cup semi-final against rivals Manchester City with a late win at Everton.
United's last domestic silverware was the League Cup in 2017 and they are within one game of another final after Edinson Cavani and Anthony Martial broke Everton's resistance at Goodison Park.
Cavani's stunning curling effort from 20 yards opened the scoring in front of 2,000 fans, just as the game looked set to head to penalties.
With Everton chasing the game, substitute Martial added a second in stoppage time to send Ole Gunnar Solskjaer one step closer to earning his first trophy as United boss.
"We are expected to win trophies," said Maguire. "It's important to reach these big games but we have to start winning them and lift some trophies for this club.
"It was an excellent performance and we should have been out of sight, we had three or four great chances. We need to be more clinical."
Everton were lacklustre in the second half, after Richarlison went off injured, having promised much in the first period, with Gylfi Sigurdsson's free-kick testing Dean Henderson.
Defeat for Carlo Ancelotti's team ends a run of three successive wins which has lifted them to fourth in the Premier League table.
Cavani shows class as away run continues
United continued their upsurge over the last month with a victory which means they have now won all nine of their domestic away games this season - a run which has seen them go third in the Premier League table with a game in hand on their rivals.
Despite making nine changes to the team which beat Leeds on Sunday after going 2-0 up inside three minutes, Solskjaer's side began with a similar intensity but could not find a breakthrough against an Everton team whose defence has improved in recent games.
In keeping with their 3-1 win at Goodison last month, Bruno Fernandes was at the heart of their endeavour and in Cavani, they had a striker with a keen eye for goal despite missing the last few games through injury.
It was an eventful night for the former Paris St-Germain forward, who joined United in October.
Having tested Everton keeper Robin Olsen early on, he was then involved in an off-the-ball incident with Yerry Mina where he appeared to grab the Everton defender. Without the use of VAR until the semi-finals, neither player was punished.
There were also chances for Mason Greenwood and Paul Pogba but once Everton found their feet midway through the first half, United found it hard to break down their opponents.
With the game petering out in the second half, Solskjaer sent on Marcus Rashford and Martial in search of a goal, but neither appeared to provide a spark.
That was until Martial found space on the counter attack to feed Cavani, who cut inside Ben Godfrey and found the bottom corner with a rasping strike for his fourth of the season.
With Everton committing players forward to take the game to spot-kicks, they allowed United to break twice more with Fernandes hitting the post on one surge before Martial finished a slick move for his fourth of the season too.
Having slipped up in three cup semi-finals last season, Solskjaer said he was "desperate" for silverware this campaign, and his side are showing signs they could win a first trophy for the club since their 2017 Europa League triumph.
Fans can't help Everton as trophy search continues
Everton's improvement in their last three games has been buoyed by being one of a handful of teams who can now allow fans into their stadium.
But on a cold and wet night at Goodison Park, where the supporters did their best to raise the team, Ancelotti's side could not find a rhythm to overly trouble United, who looked like they had the extra guile to win the tie.
Much of Everton's recent success has come by holding firm in defence and breaking on the counter attack, and there were moments when Henderson was called into action to deny Sigurdsson and Calvert-Lewin.
But much of their endeavour came from set-pieces, and when they lost Richarlison to what looked like a head injury following a collision with Eric Bailly, they struggled to get in behind the United defence.
Before the break, it was the much improved Sigurdsson who provided the hosts' biggest threat, with his corner teeing up Calvert-Lewin and a weaving run leading to a blocked shot before his fizzing free-kick was saved.
After Cavani's late finish, the fans in the Gwladys Street End urged an equaliser as Godfrey's shot was stopped, but Ancelotti's side missed out on a first semi-final since 2016 as their search for a first trophy since their 1995 FA Cup win continues.
'We have no regrets' - what they said
Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti said: "We are disappointed because it was an important competition for us. We have no regrets because the team performed.
"We had a difficult start but after 20 minutes, defensively we were in control.
"In the second half we didn't give an opportunity against a team which is really strong. We performed defensively, we were good until the end, we were close to the penalties but anyway no regrets, absolutely."
Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said: "We had three semi-finals last year and it is a step not far enough.
"It was an excellent performance from the beginning. I thought we should have been one or two goals up at least.
"The first 25-30 minutes we put them under pressure and created loads of chances but you always know it will be difficult against Everton and they pegged us back in the last 15 minutes of the first half.
"We defended well and in the second half it was tight but we had a little bit of an upper hand."
What next?
Everton return to the Premier League with a trip to bottom of the table Sheffield United on 26 December, before hosting Manchester City two days later.
Manchester United are away at Leicester on Boxing Day, and face Wolves at Old Trafford on 29 December.
United's away form continues - the stats
Manchester United have reached the League Cup semi-finals for the 16th time, second only to Liverpool (17) in the competition's history.
Everton failed to register a shot on target in the second half, with Gylfi Sigurdsson having 57% of their total attempts tonight (4/7).
This was United's third clean sheet in 12 away games in all competitions this season, with all of these shutouts coming in the League Cup.
United have scored in each of their last 25 away games in all competitions, since a 0-2 defeat at Liverpool in January.
United are the first team to win away at Everton twice in the same season since Chelsea in the 2007-08 campaign.
This was United's 14th consecutive away win in domestic competition, with the Red Devils last failing to win on the road in non-European competition against Spurs back in June (1-1).
Martial is the third substitute to both score and assist a goal for Manchester United in all competitions this season (Greenwood v Luton, Cavani v Southampton), with no sub having done this for the club in either 2018-19 or 2019-20.
Cavani's late winner for came from his fourth shot on target in the match, which was one more than Everton managed.
Player of the match Cavani Edinson Cavani with an average of 8.19 Everton Everton Everton
Man Utd Manchester United Manchester United Everton Avg Squad number 10 Player name G Sigurdsson Average rating 5.59 Squad number 22 Player name Godfrey Average rating 5.58 Squad number 23 Player name Coleman Average rating 5.11 Squad number 5 Player name Keane Average rating 5.06 Squad number 16 Player name Doucouré Average rating 4.96 Squad number 7 Player name Richarlison Average rating 4.88 Squad number 9 Player name Calvert-Lewin Average rating 4.88 Squad number 13 Player name Mina Average rating 4.78 Squad number 33 Player name Olsen Average rating 4.75 Squad number 21 Player name André Gomes Average rating 4.52 Squad number 17 Player name Iwobi Average rating 4.49 Squad number 26 Player name Davies Average rating 4.49 Squad number 14 Player name Tosun Average rating 4.46 Squad number 20 Player name Bernard Average rating 4.40 Manchester United Avg Squad number 7 Player name Cavani Average rating 8.19 Squad number 9 Player name Martial Average rating 7.57 Squad number 18 Player name Bruno Fernandes Average rating 7.44 Squad number 10 Player name Rashford Average rating 7.22 Squad number 3 Player name Bailly Average rating 7.10 Squad number 26 Player name Henderson Average rating 6.98 Squad number 27 Player name Alex Telles Average rating 6.95 Squad number 6 Player name Pogba Average rating 6.93 Squad number 5 Player name Maguire Average rating 6.82 Squad number 34 Player name van de Beek Average rating 6.72 Squad number 38 Player name Tuanzebe Average rating 6.70 Squad number 31 Player name Matic Average rating 6.60 Squad number 11 Player name Greenwood Average rating 6.55 Squad number 23 Player name Shaw Average rating 6.30


bbc--2020-12-24--Heading in football might not exist in 10 to 15 years - Mason

Heading might not exist in football in 10 to 15 years time because of the risks involved , former Tottenham and Hull midfielder Ryan Mason says .
A recent study showed that footballers are three and a half times more likely to suffer from dementia .
`` It would n't surprise me in 10 to 15 years if heading was n't involved in the game , '' Mason , 29 , told BBC Sport .
• None Ex-players call for government to review possible link between heading and dementia '' The research and the momentum it 's getting , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up a lot more stuff that becomes quite shocking .
`` I 'm not sure footballers are fully aware of the potential damage .
This is where the more research , the more understanding , the more education current players get , the better .
`` It might even get to a point where you might need to sign something to say that I 'm OK [ playing with the risk ] .
`` It really is concerning .
The problem we have is you do n't know the effects until you get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Field study , conducted by neuropathologist Dr Willie Stewart , found that footballers were more likely to suffer from dementia and other brain injury diseases , but has not established whether it was caused by concussions from collisions or repeatedly heading the ball .
The family of 1966 World Cup winner Nobby Stiles , who was diagnosed with a brain condition linked to repeated blows to the head , believe heading caused his dementia before he died in October .
Changes have already been made to how often children are allowed to head @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concerns about how head injuries have been treated in football .
Former Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen said earlier this month that he felt the effects of a concussion for nine months after he tried to play on during a Champions League match two seasons ago .
Mason , who said he was `` lucky to be alive '' after his clash of heads with former Chelsea defender Gary Cahill , found Vertonghen 's story `` quite shocking '' .
And he questions why football has opted for trials of permanent concussion substitutions rather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
From January , teams will be allowed to use two additional permanent substitutes to allow for head injuries .
But there has been criticism of that move from Stewart and brain charity Headway , who believe that temporary substitutions are a better alternative .
That process allows a substitute to come on the field immediately , allowing a doctor 10 minutes to make an assessment rather than the permanent option , where the decision is made in a shorter period of time .
The temporary option has flaws , according to Football @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as players can sometimes still be allowed to return to play after a longer assessment .
But Mason , who is now coaching at Tottenham 's academy , says the permanent option adds more `` pressure '' to the decision .
`` Why [ is football ] not following something that is in place and has worked ? ''
he said .
`` Rugby has a protocol in place that gives the players , the team and the individual the opportunity to go off to be tested by an independent doctor away from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the manager to get the player back on the pitch - or pressure [ from the stands ] when the fans are back . ''

Ryan Mason (right) played for Hull before retiring from the game aged 26
Heading might not exist in football in 10 to 15 years time because of the risks involved, former Tottenham and Hull midfielder Ryan Mason says.
Mason, capped once by England, had to retire from football after fracturing his skull playing for Hull in 2017.
A recent study showed that footballers are three and a half times more likely to suffer from dementia.
"It wouldn't surprise me in 10 to 15 years if heading wasn't involved in the game," Mason, 29, told BBC Sport.
"The research and the momentum it's getting, I think it's probably going to open up a lot more stuff that becomes quite shocking.
"I'm not sure footballers are fully aware of the potential damage. This is where the more research, the more understanding, the more education current players get, the better.
"It might even get to a point where you might need to sign something to say that I'm OK [playing with the risk].
"It really is concerning. The problem we have is you don't know the effects until you get later on in life."
The Field study, conducted by neuropathologist Dr Willie Stewart, found that footballers were more likely to suffer from dementia and other brain injury diseases, but has not established whether it was caused by concussions from collisions or repeatedly heading the ball.
The family of 1966 World Cup winner Nobby Stiles, who was diagnosed with a brain condition linked to repeated blows to the head, believe heading caused his dementia before he died in October.
Changes have already been made to how often children are allowed to head the ball, but there are also concerns about how head injuries have been treated in football.
Former Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen said earlier this month that he felt the effects of a concussion for nine months after he tried to play on during a Champions League match two seasons ago.
Mason, who said he was "lucky to be alive" after his clash of heads with former Chelsea defender Gary Cahill, found Vertonghen's story "quite shocking".
And he questions why football has opted for trials of permanent concussion substitutions rather than temporary ones seen in rugby union.
From January, teams will be allowed to use two additional permanent substitutes to allow for head injuries. But there has been criticism of that move from Stewart and brain charity Headway, who believe that temporary substitutions are a better alternative.
That process allows a substitute to come on the field immediately, allowing a doctor 10 minutes to make an assessment rather than the permanent option, where the decision is made in a shorter period of time.
The temporary option has flaws, according to Football Association head of medicine Charlotte Cowie, as players can sometimes still be allowed to return to play after a longer assessment.
But Mason, who is now coaching at Tottenham's academy, says the permanent option adds more "pressure" to the decision.
"Why [is football] not following something that is in place and has worked?" he said.
"Rugby has a protocol in place that gives the players, the team and the individual the opportunity to go off to be tested by an independent doctor away from the pitch where there isn't pressure from the manager to get the player back on the pitch - or pressure [from the stands] when the fans are back."


bbc--2020-12-24--Rockets-Thunder game postponed and Harden fined $50,000 for breaking Covid rules

Last updated on .From the section Basketball The Houston Rockets ' season opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder has been postponed because the Rockets are unable to field enough players .
Rockets star James Harden is unavailable because of a violation of the NBA 's coronavirus protocols .
He has been fined $ 50,000 ( £36,820 ) by the NBA .
All other Rockets players were retested today , and returned negative results .
One player is also injured meaning they do not have the league-required eight available players to play the game at the Toyota Center in Houston .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ are investigating a video that appears to show 2018 Most Valuable Player Harden not wearing a face covering at a club .
Harden responded in an Instagram story in which he denied he was attending a strip club .
`` I went to show love to my homegirl at her event ( not a strip club ) because she is becoming a boss putting her people in position of success and now it 's a problem , '' he said .
`` Everyday it 's something different .
No matter how many times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ca n't .
The real always end on top . ''
In a statement , the NBA said Harden violated the league 's rules by attending a private indoor party on Monday , 21 December .
The league 's rules prohibit `` attending indoor social gatherings of 15 or more people or entering bars , lounges , clubs or similar establishments , '' Wednesday is the second night of the NBA season , after wins for LA Clippers and Brooklyn Nets against LA Lakers and Golden State Warriors on the opening night @

Last updated on .From the section Basketball
Thunder-Rockets was one of 13 NBA games scheduled to take place on Wednesday night
The Houston Rockets' season opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder has been postponed because the Rockets are unable to field enough players.
Three Rockets players returned either positive or inconclusive coronavirus results, with another four needing to quarantine after contact tracing.
Rockets star James Harden is unavailable because of a violation of the NBA's coronavirus protocols.
He has been fined $50,000 (£36,820) by the NBA.
All other Rockets players were retested today, and returned negative results.
One player is also injured meaning they do not have the league-required eight available players to play the game at the Toyota Center in Houston.
ESPN reported external-link that the Rockets and NBA are investigating a video that appears to show 2018 Most Valuable Player Harden not wearing a face covering at a club.
Harden responded in an Instagram story in which he denied he was attending a strip club.
"I went to show love to my homegirl at her event (not a strip club) because she is becoming a boss putting her people in position of success and now it's a problem," he said.
"Everyday it's something different. No matter how many times people try to drag my name under you can't. The real always end on top."
In a statement, the NBA said Harden violated the league's rules by attending a private indoor party on Monday, 21 December.
The league's rules prohibit "attending indoor social gatherings of 15 or more people or entering bars, lounges, clubs or similar establishments,"
Wednesday is the second night of the NBA season, after wins for LA Clippers and Brooklyn Nets against LA Lakers and Golden State Warriors on the opening night.


bbc--2020-12-24--Washington's Haskins loses captaincy and gets fined after going to party without mask

Last updated on .From the section American Football Washington quarterback Dwayne Haskins has been fined $ 40,000 ( £29,400 ) and removed as a captain after being filmed at a party without wearing a mask .
Haskins said Sunday 's party - after his team lost to Seattle Seahawks - was for his girlfriend 's birthday .
`` My actions were immature and unacceptable , '' he said .
`` I put my team-mates , coaches and staff members at risk and let the fans and the organisation down .
I take full responsibility and accountability for that .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a big responsibility and leadership , and I failed to live up to those standards with my actions .
`` I fully understand the mistakes that I 've made and the circumstances that come with it , and I 'm OK with that because I deserved it . ''
Haskins is still allowed to take part in practice for Washington , who are preparing to play the Carolina Panthers on Sunday .
But to be allowed to participate , he must have two coronavirus tests every day and wear a mask under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Washington head coach Ron Rivera confirmed Haskins will start this weekend 's match if fellow quarterback Alex Smith is not fit to play .
Last Sunday saw Haskins make his first start since early October because of Smith 's calf injury .
Haskins completed 38 of 55 passes - for 295 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions - in the 20-15 home defeat by Seattle .
• None Get American Football alerts in the BBC Sport app • None Alerts : Sign up to get NFL videos and news stories sent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ follow the 2020 season on the BBC

Last updated on .From the section American Football
Haskins, the 15th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, has made five starts for Washington this season
Washington quarterback Dwayne Haskins has been fined $40,000 (£29,400) and removed as a captain after being filmed at a party without wearing a mask.
The fine is thought to be the largest in the NFL for breaking Covid-19 protocols and more than half of 23-year-old Haskins' weekly salary.
Haskins said Sunday's party - after his team lost to the Seattle Seahawks - was for his girlfriend's birthday.
"My actions were immature and unacceptable," he said.
"I put my team-mates, coaches and staff members at risk and let the fans and the organisation down. I take full responsibility and accountability for that.
"Being a quarterback in this league comes with a big responsibility and leadership, and I failed to live up to those standards with my actions.
"I fully understand the mistakes that I've made and the circumstances that come with it, and I'm OK with that because I deserved it."
Haskins is still allowed to take part in practice for Washington, who are preparing to play the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.
But to be allowed to participate, he must have two coronavirus tests every day and wear a mask under his helmet that includes a face shield.
Washington head coach Ron Rivera confirmed Haskins will start this weekend's match if fellow quarterback Alex Smith is not fit to play.
Last Sunday saw Haskins make his first start since early October because of Smith's calf injury. Haskins completed 38 of 55 passes - for 295 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions - in the 20-15 home defeat by Seattle.


bbc--2020-12-24--Celtics beat Bucks in thriller, Heat lose to Magic - NBA round-up

Last updated on .From the section Basketball The Boston Celtics won their NBA season-opener against the Milwaukee Bucks after Jayson Tatum hit a late three-pointer in a thrilling finale .
It clinched a 122-121 win , although the Bucks missed the chance to tie when Giannis Antetokounmpo missed a free throw with less than a second left .
Last season 's NBA finalists the Miami Heat lost 113-107 to the Orlando Magic .
Evan Fournier scored 25 points and Aaron Gordon chipped in with 20 for hosts Magic .
The Washington Wizards lost to the Philadelphia 76ers by the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on his debut .
The nine-time all-star scored 21 points , had 11 rebounds and 15 assists .
Overtime was needed to split the Sacramento Kings and Denver Nuggets , with Denver losing 124-122 despite a triple-double from Nikola Jokic .
Jokic led the scoring with 29 points , 15 rebounds and 14 assists , but it was the Kings who took the win with a Will Barton dunk blocked but Buddy Hield snared the tip-in .
Meanwhile , the Houston Rockets ' opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder was postponed because the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Three Rockets players returned either positive or inconclusive coronavirus results , with another four needing to quarantine after contact tracing .
Rockets star James Harden is unavailable because of a violation of the NBA 's coronavirus protocols and was fined $ 50,000 .

Last updated on .From the section Basketball
Bucks' Greek superstar Antetokounmpo (right) scored 18 of his game-high 35 points in the fourth quarter - but it was still not enough
The Boston Celtics won their NBA season-opener against the Milwaukee Bucks after Jayson Tatum hit a late three-pointer in a thrilling finale.
The Celtics had a 17-point lead going into the final quarter and held off the Bucks when Tatum landed from 28 feet.
It clinched a 122-121 win, although the Bucks missed the chance to tie when Giannis Antetokounmpo missed a free throw with less than a second left.
Last season's NBA finalists the Miami Heat lost 113-107 to the Orlando Magic.
Evan Fournier scored 25 points and Aaron Gordon chipped in with 20 for hosts Magic.
The Washington Wizards lost to the Philadelphia 76ers by the same scoreline, despite Russell Westbrook's triple-double on his debut. The nine-time all-star scored 21 points, had 11 rebounds and 15 assists.
Overtime was needed to split the Sacramento Kings and Denver Nuggets, with Denver losing 124-122 despite a triple-double from Nikola Jokic.
Jokic led the scoring with 29 points, 15 rebounds and 14 assists, but it was the Kings who took the win with a Will Barton dunk blocked but Buddy Hield snared the tip-in.
Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets' opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder was postponed because the Rockets were unable to field enough players.
Three Rockets players returned either positive or inconclusive coronavirus results, with another four needing to quarantine after contact tracing.
Rockets star James Harden is unavailable because of a violation of the NBA's coronavirus protocols and was fined $50,000.
Wednesday's results:
Phoenix Suns 106-102 Dallas Mavericks
Boston Celtics 122-121 Milwaukee Bucks
Toronto Raptors 99-113 New Orleans Pelicans
Portland Trail Blazers 100-120 Utah Jazz
Denver Nuggets 122-124 (OT) Sacramento Kings
Chicago Bulls 104-124 Atlanta Hawks
Memphis Grizzlies 119-131 San Antonio Spurs
Minnesota Timberwolves 111-101 Detroit Pistons
Cleveland Cavaliers 121-114 Charlotte Hornets
Indiana Pacers 121-107 New York Knicks
Orlando Magic 113-107 Miami Heat
Philadelphia 76ers 113-107 Washington Wizards


bbc--2020-12-25--Brexit: EU diplomats to get trade deal briefing

He said the UK had not got all it wanted on financial services , a vital part of the UK @ @ @ @ @ the deal was `` nonetheless going to enable our dynamic City of London to get @ @ @ @ @ before '' .

He said the UK had not got all it wanted on financial services, a vital part of the UK economy, but insisted the deal was "nonetheless going to enable our dynamic City of London to get on and prosper as never before".


bbc--2020-12-24--Covid: US parties wrangle in Congress after Trump shuns stimulus bill

On the same day , the House is also expected to vote on an unrelated , $ 740bn defence spending @ @ @ @ @ vetoed on Wednesday instead of signing into law .
Lawmakers plan to override the president @ @ @ @ @ legislation anyway , but to do so they need two-thirds of votes in both the @ @ @ @

On the same day, the House is also expected to vote on an unrelated, $740bn defence spending bill, which Mr Trump vetoed on Wednesday instead of signing into law. Lawmakers plan to override the president's veto and enact the legislation anyway, but to do so they need two-thirds of votes in both the House and Senate.


bbc--2020-12-24--Black US doctor dies of Covid alleging racist hospital care

Dr Moore said she had had to plead for antiviral Remdesivir doses and request a scan of her chest .
@ @ @ @ @ reportedly told her she did not qualify for the drug and that she should go @ @

Dr Moore said she had had to plead for antiviral Remdesivir doses and request a scan of her chest. The doctor at one point reportedly told her she did not qualify for the drug and that she should go home.


bbc--2020-12-25--Covid: Mexico, Chile and Costa Rica begin mass vaccination

`` We are afraid , but we have to move on [ ... ] and I want to stay in @ @ @ @ @ '' she said afterwards , according to El Universal newspaper .

"There was some scepticism, but as we always say we do not want to get entangled in any type of discussion other than preserving the health of Argentines," said cabinet minister Santiago Cafiero.


bbc--2020-12-24--Michael Jackson: Neverland Ranch 'sold to billionaire for $22m'

Since then Neverland , north of Santa Barbara city , has been on and off the market , listed most @ @ @ @ @ lower price of $ 31m .

Since then Neverland, north of Santa Barbara city, has been on and off the market, listed most recently last year for the lower price of $31m.


bbc--2020-12-24--Norwich flooding: Elderly couple rescued from submerged car

The rescue of an elderly couple from a car nearly submerged in `` freezing '' flood water on the outskirts @ @ @ @ @ and go '' , say eyewitnesses .
Their vehicle became trapped in the water on @ @ @ @ @ on Christmas Eve morning , an area known by locals to flood regularly during heavy @ @ @ @ @ they were investigating and the couple were being cared for by ambulance crews .

The rescue of an elderly couple from a car nearly submerged in "freezing" flood water on the outskirts of Norwich was "touch and go", say eyewitnesses.
Their vehicle became trapped in the water on Green Lane, Thorpe End on Christmas Eve morning, an area known by locals to flood regularly during heavy rain.
Norfolk Police said they were investigating and the couple were being cared for by ambulance crews.


bbc--2020-12-25--Covid: Queen spends Christmas apart from family

In April , as the first wave of the pandemic saw people across the country told to stay at home @ @ @ @ @ the UK `` will succeed '' in its fight against the virus .

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bbc--2020-12-24--Daniel Pearl: Court orders release of man accused in journalist's murder

Born in London in 1973 , Mr Sheikh attended an independent school before going on to study at the London @ @ @ @ @ did not graduate , failing to return after driving aid to Bosnia after his first @ @

Born in London in 1973, Mr Sheikh attended an independent school before going on to study at the London School of Economics. He did not graduate, failing to return after driving aid to Bosnia after his first year.


bbc--2020-12-24--Covid-19: Irish government authorises Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine

Professor Philip Nolan said he does not think the measures being introduced will be enough to bring the virus under @ @ @ @ @ is coming `` really fast and really hard '' and the next few days will @ @ @ @ @ .

Professor Philip Nolan said he does not think the measures being introduced will be enough to bring the virus under control and this time it is coming "really fast and really hard" and the next few days will determine what happens in January.


bbc--2020-12-24--US election 2020: FBI links Iran to websites targeting poll officials

`` This may be circumstantial , or it could support the theory that the activity in question attempts to look @ @ @ @ @ of language skills prompted the use of the com site instead of the Russian-language ru @ @ @ @ @ in a later update .


bbc--2020-12-24--Breached SolarWinds issues urgent security fix

US National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien told Fox News : `` It 's clearly a sophisticated intelligence operation and no @ @ @ @ @ state actor .
And we 'll get around to attribution of that at a time @ @ @ @ @ . ''

US National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien told Fox News: "It's clearly a sophisticated intelligence operation and no doubt was done by a state actor. And we'll get around to attribution of that at a time and place of our choosing."


bbc--2020-12-24--Portugal outrage after Spanish hunters massacre 500 wild animals

The Environment Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday that `` the reports and news about the indiscriminate slaughter of @ @ @ @ @ do with hunting , understood as a practice that can contribute to the maintenance of @ @ @ @ @


bbc--2020-12-24--Spain's King Felipe VI makes veiled dig at self-exiled father

`` In 2014 , during my induction into parliament , I referred to the moral and ethical principles that citizens @ @ @ @ @ that apply to us all without exception , and that prevail over all considerations , @ @ @ @ @ , personal or familial , '' said the monarch .

"In 2014, during my induction into parliament, I referred to the moral and ethical principles that citizens expect of us. Principles that apply to us all without exception, and that prevail over all considerations, whatever their nature may be, personal or familial," said the monarch.


bbc--2020-12-24--In pictures: Christmas celebrations around the world

People across the world are celebrating one of the holiest times in the Christian calendar .
But this year 's @ @ @ @ @ Christmas Day is celebrated by western churches on 25 December but by eastern churches on @ @ @ @ @ attended by far fewer people because of the coronavirus outbreak .
Social distancing and wearing @ @ @ @ @ must .

People across the world are celebrating one of the holiest times in the Christian calendar. But this year's church services and events (Christmas Day is celebrated by western churches on 25 December but by eastern churches on 7 January) are being attended by far fewer people because of the coronavirus outbreak. Social distancing and wearing masks are now the new must in many places.


bbc--2020-12-25--The refugees feeding a nation

The refugees feeding a nation

After the Vietnam War , France relocated a small group of 45 Hmong refugees from Laos to its overseas territory @ @ @ @ @ French Guiana .
The Hmong people were fleeing persecution from the communists , because they @ @ @ @ @ and had fought with US forces .
Forty years later , French Guiana is now @ @ @ @ @ that these refugees and their descendants grow in farms deep in the Amazon jungle .
@ @ @ @ @ are a true immigration success story , but this happy ending was not always guaranteed @

After the Vietnam War, France relocated a small group of 45 Hmong refugees from Laos to its overseas territory in South America, called French Guiana.
The Hmong people were fleeing persecution from the communists, because they were long-time allies of France and had fought with US forces.
Forty years later, French Guiana is now heavily reliant on the food that these refugees and their descendants grow in farms deep in the Amazon jungle. It’s said they are a true immigration success story, but this happy ending was not always guaranteed.
Film by Daisy Walsh, Tommy Chavannes and Jilla Dastmalchi.


bbc--2020-12-25--Astronaut Scott Kelly: How to survive a year in space

Despite the fact that astronauts and cosmonauts are screened for their psychological ability to cope , he says : `` @ @ @ @ @ have had hard times with it .
I 've seen that myself in person - @ @ @ @ @ being isolated like that .
It 's hard , but it 's not so hard @ @ @ @ @ . ''

Scientists know that some people are affected more by ocular changes in space than others. And there has been work on the genetics underlying these differences. I ask Kelly if, as we learn more about how different people respond to the space environment, these biological markers could play a bigger role in astronaut selection - perhaps even at the expense of more traditional qualities.


bbc--2020-12-25--A scene in The Pianist changed Arson Fahim's life

`` My parents told me I would not be able to get a job if I studied music , '' @ @ @ @ @ took me a long time to persuade them to let me do it .
They @ @ @ @ @ be in danger for taking up music and playing a Western instrument .
They are @ @ @ @ @ . ''

Fahim learned that the piece he had heard and fallen in love with was by Polish composer Frederic Chopin. He was to learn that it was the music of Chopin that he had heard in The Pianist, and that the one piece that stayed with him in particular - Chopin's Nocturne number 20 in C sharp minor - was the one that Wladyslav Szpilman had played to save himself in real life.


bbc--2020-12-24--Brexit: How do voters now feel about it?

Few voters have changed their minds since the referendum .
As many as 86 % of those who voted Remain @ @ @ @ @ vote the same way again , while 81 % of those who backed Leave say @ @ @ @ @ once more .

Few voters have changed their minds since the referendum. As many as 86% of those who voted Remain in 2016 say they would vote the same way again, while 81% of those who backed Leave say they would vote for Brexit once more.


bbc--2020-12-24--Former Spurs manager Pochettino 'main contender' for PSG job after Tuchel sacking

Last updated on .From the section European Football Former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino is the main contender to take over at Paris St-Germain after Thomas Tuchel was sacked .
Talks between PSG and Pochettino started at least two weeks ago .
Earlier , BBC Sport 's Simon Stone reported that Tuchel , 47 , was sacked hours after he took charge of Wednesday 's 4-0 win against Strasbourg .
The French club are yet to confirm the German 's dismissal .
Tuchel became the Ligue 1 side 's boss in June 2018 , winning two league titles , the French @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also reached the Champions League final for the first time last season , losing 1-0 to Bayern Munich .
Former Borussia Dortmund coach Tuchel 's contract was set to expire at the end of this season .
He joined the Parisian club in May 2018 on an initial two-year contract after replacing Spaniard Unai Emery , agreeing a one-year extension in May 2019 .
PSG are currently third in Ligue 1 , a point behind leaders Lyon , while they are also through to the last 16 of the Champions League , where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ victory over Strasbourg moved the reigning champions to within a point of both Lyon and second-placed Lille as the Ligue 1 season heads into a two-week winter break .
Pochettino , who led Spurs to the Champions League final in 2019 where they lost to Liverpool , has been linked regularly with the PSG job in recent months .
He played for PSG between 2001 and 2003 , and has been without a job since leaving Spurs in November 2019 .
The former Southampton boss joined Spurs in 2014 and guided them to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ full season while two third-placed finishes sandwiched a runners-up spot in the Premier League in 2017 .
PSG have been linked with a January loan move for Tottenham 's Dele Alli , who made his Premier League debut under Pochettino .
Will Tuchel manage in the Premier League ?
Analysis Since PSG lost the Champions League final 1-0 to Bayern Munich in August , it 's been a difficult time for Tuchel on and off the pitch .
Towards the end of the summer transfer window , he had a public falling out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over recruitment .
And earlier this week , he gave an interview with a German TV station saying he felt more like `` a sports politician or sports minister than a coach '' during his first season at the club .
Tuchel claimed that the quotes had been taken out of context and said `` it 's possible they translated incorrectly '' but again it hinted at problems behind the scenes .
The players seemed to respond well to him but to the outside world , other relationships at the club did n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of comments once made by Borussia Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke about Tuchel : `` Thomas is a difficult person , but a fantastic trainer . ''
Meanwhile on the pitch , the team have n't dominated the French league as they usually do , losing four games to find themselves in third place at Christmas behind Lille and Lyon .
And although they ended up winning their Champions League group , disappointing defeats by Manchester United and RB Leipzig increased the pressure .
His time at PSG may be over but Tuchel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be in demand over the next few weeks and months .
There 's no doubt that one day he will manage in the Premier League .
• None The Isle of Skye is the limit for Romesh Ranganathan

Last updated on .From the section European Football
Thomas Tuchel took training earlier this week before leading PSG to a 4-0 win on Wednesday
Former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino is the main contender to take over at Paris St-Germain after Thomas Tuchel was sacked.
On Tuesday, PSG announced Tuchel's contract had been "terminated" and it is understood the club's players are aware Pochettino will replace him.
PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaïfi thanked Tuchel and said the club "will remember the good times we shared".
Talks between PSG and Pochettino started at least two weeks ago.
Tuchel, 47, became the Ligue 1 side's boss in June 2018, winning two league titles, the French Cup and French League Cup.
They also reached the Champions League final for the first time last season, losing 1-0 to Bayern Munich.
Former Borussia Dortmund coach Tuchel's contract was set to expire at the end of this season.
PSG are currently third in Ligue 1, a point behind leaders Lyon, while they are also through to the last 16 of the Champions League, where they will face Barcelona.
Pochettino, 48, led Spurs to the Champions League final in 2019 where they lost to Liverpool and he has been linked regularly with the PSG job in recent months.
He played for PSG between 2001 and 2003, and has been without a job since leaving Spurs in November 2019.
The former Southampton boss joined Spurs in 2014 and guided them to the League Cup final in his first full season while two third-placed finishes sandwiched a runners-up spot in the Premier League in 2017.
PSG have been linked with a January loan move for Tottenham's Dele Alli, who made his Premier League debut under Pochettino.
Will Tuchel manage in the Premier League? Analysis
BBC World Service Sport's John Bennett
Since PSG lost the Champions League final 1-0 to Bayern Munich in August, it's been a difficult time for Tuchel on and off the pitch.
Towards the end of the summer transfer window, he had a public falling out with the club's sporting director Leonardo over recruitment.
And earlier this week, he gave an interview with a German TV station saying he felt more like "a sports politician or sports minister than a coach" during his first season at the club.
Tuchel claimed that the quotes had been taken out of context and said "it's possible they translated incorrectly" but again it hinted at problems behind the scenes.
The players seemed to respond well to him but, to the outside world, other relationships at the club didn't seem so comfortable.
It reminded me of comments once made by Borussia Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke about Tuchel: "Thomas is a difficult person, but a fantastic trainer."
Meanwhile on the pitch, the team haven't dominated the French league as they usually do, losing four games to find themselves in third place at Christmas behind Lille and Lyon.
And although they ended up winning their Champions League group, disappointing defeats by Manchester United and RB Leipzig increased the pressure.
His time at PSG may be over but Tuchel's reputation as a coach means he will be in demand over the next few weeks and months. There's no doubt that one day he will manage in the Premier League.


bbc--2020-12-24--Klopp dismisses suggestions Salah is unhappy at Liverpool

Last updated on .From the section Liverpool Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has played down speculation forward Mohamed Salah is unhappy at the club .
The 28-year-old Egypt international also refused to rule out a move to Real Madrid or Barcelona .
`` Mo is in a good mood , a good moment and really good shape - that 's the most important thing for me , '' said Klopp .
`` We did not have pictures [ from the training ground ] this morning but if we did you would have seen him laughing a lot .
`` All the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media ] to write about but , internally , nothing really . ''
Following the publication of the interview with Salah , he came off the bench and scored twice in a 7-0 league win at Crystal Palace .
It took his tally to 13 top-flight goals this season and helped make sure Liverpool , who host West Brom on Sunday , were top at Christmas for a third season in a row .
The Reds failed to go on and finish top in 2018-19 after they missed out to Manchester City but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obviously means you are not automatically champions in May when you are the Christmas leader , '' said Klopp .
`` Otherwise we would have won it twice already .
`` It 's the best position you can be in at the moment but that 's all .
We have n't even played half of the season .
It 's nice , nothing else .
`` Two years ago , when we did n't win the league after being top at Christmas , it was not about a lack of focus .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this quality is still out there . ''

Last updated on .From the section Liverpool
Mohamed Salah (right) has a contract until 2023 with Liverpool
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has played down speculation forward Mohamed Salah is unhappy at the club.
Salah recently told a Spanish newspaper external-link that he was disappointed not to be captain at FC Midtjylland when Trent-Alexander Arnold was made skipper.
The 28-year-old Egypt international also refused to rule out a move to Real Madrid or Barcelona.
"Mo is in a good mood, a good moment and really good shape - that's the most important thing for me," said Klopp.
"We did not have pictures [from the training ground] this morning but if we did you would have seen him laughing a lot.
"All the rest is nice for you [the media] to write about but, internally, nothing really."
Following the publication of the interview with Salah, he came off the bench and scored twice in a 7-0 league win at Crystal Palace.
It took his tally to 13 top-flight goals this season and helped make sure Liverpool, who host West Brom on Sunday, were top at Christmas for a third season in a row.
The Reds failed to go on and finish top in 2018-19 after they missed out to Manchester City but won the 2019-2020 title.
"It obviously means you are not automatically champions in May when you are the Christmas leader," said Klopp. "Otherwise we would have won it twice already.
"It's the best position you can be in at the moment but that's all. We haven't even played half of the season. It's nice, nothing else.
"Two years ago, when we didn't win the league after being top at Christmas, it was not about a lack of focus. It was the quality of the opponents and this quality is still out there."


bbc--2020-12-24--Fulham boss Parker to miss Southampton game after Covid-19 positive in household

Last updated on .From the section Fulham Fulham boss Scott Parker will not take charge of his team 's Boxing @ @ @ @ @ someone in his household tested positive for Covid-19 .
Assistant manager Stuart Gray and first-team @ @ @ @ @ charge of the team on Saturday .
Provided he returns a further negative result , @ @ @ @ @ dugout for Fulham 's trip to Tottenham Hotspur on 30 December .
Fulham , who @ @ @ @ @ season through the Championship play-offs , are third bottom after earning 10 points from their @ @ @ @ @ None The Isle of Skye is the limit for Romesh Ranganathan

Last updated on .From the section Fulham
Former Southampton manager Stuart Gray will take charge of Fulham, alongside Matt Wells, against his old club
Fulham boss Scott Parker will not take charge of his team's Boxing Day game with Southampton after someone in his household tested positive for Covid-19.
Parker, 40, tested negative but has been self-isolating this week.
Assistant manager Stuart Gray and first-team coach Matt Wells will take charge of the team on Saturday.
Provided he returns a further negative result, Parker will return to the dugout for Fulham's trip to Tottenham Hotspur on 30 December.
Fulham, who Parker guided to promotion last season through the Championship play-offs, are third bottom after earning 10 points from their opening 14 matches.


bbc--2020-12-24--'This is Paine's Test team now' - how Australia's captain grew into the role of undisputed leader

As Tim Paine walked off the field on the first day at Headingley in 2019 , the tension was clear .
England 's players had huddled to await an umpire 's review that saw Paine lbw to Chris Woakes for 11 .
He looked back to the huddle and several players turned their heads , their words following the departing Australian captain .
It was n't only England players advancing this theory .
Nor the English press pack , nor the English public .
There were plenty in Australia doubting the credentials of someone who , it was agreed , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should go the way that stopgaps go .
Most attention went to Paine 's batting , especially one piece of statistical trivia : that his career had returned a solitary first-class century scored in 2006 .
Journalists competed for the pithiest descriptions of that span : back in Barack Obama 's first term , back when Paine 's coach was still scoring tons , back when Shakira released Hips Do n't Lie .
All of this underestimated the tenacity and ability of a player who had persisted through seven years of a career @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he was failing in local grade cricket , and had fought back up to the highest level .
Three days after that Headingley dismissal , Ben Stokes floored Australia in a late miracle , and Paine 's same characteristics were evident as the captain who dragged his team off the carpet for an Ashes-sealing win in Manchester .
It was the same tenacity required in Cape Town in 2018 , amidst a worldwide furore after his teammates were caught sandpapering a match ball .
In the space of a morning , Paine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Test .
In a few days he was temporary captain for the final Test in Johannesburg , in a few weeks he was permanent .
Temporary permanent , like some of the scaffolding grandstands at English cricket grounds .
Left in place over the winter but only ever a day from being carted away .
That 's how Australia 's cricket public saw him .
But all the while he was making renovations .
It was Paine who admitted to the team 's problems , something nobody had been willing to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ head in the sand '' , he said , `` that if we continue to win , we can act and behave how we like and the Australian public will be ok with that . ''
This came the day before his first full Test as captain .
`` But I think it has got to the stage now where we need to listen to our fans and the Australian public and give them a cricket team that they are proud of , win , lose or draw . ''
Talk produced action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a standard of behaviour and that he would enforce it .
Initially , while being pasted by Pakistan or losing at home to India , Paine remained expendable .
But as he led for 2-2 in England before whitewashing Pakistan and New Zealand , it became apparent that this is now Paine 's team .
His players gravitate to him on the field and he 's central to their social life .
They speak of him glowingly and have produced special performances .
They 're aware of how low things went , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seem to believe in the captain as key to a long rehabilitation .
`` Tim Paine is the only guy in my eyes who really stood up and could take that challenge on , '' said his off-spinner Nathan Lyon earlier this year .
`` He keeps growing as a leader , he took the captaincy on in the hardest time in Australian cricket and he 's done an amazing job of it . ''
None of which means that Paine is a choirboy .
He can be lippy or lose his cool @ @ @ @ @ @ @ edge whether joking or not .
When there are celebrations to be had he 's not shy of getting among them .
He 's a canny operator : dealing with him as a journalist , he employs a dash of charisma that hints at friendship , and it 's hard to pick how much is calculated .
At other times you can easily see how he makes use of media tendencies .
Take Perth in 2019 , when Paine 's wicketkeeping chatter made news for how wholesome it was .
Talking to Rishabh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about Virat Kohli , it was no accident that Paine delivered his lines straight into the stump microphones .
Or at a press conference while being smashed in the Sydney Test , when he answered a journalist 's phone and took a message .
He created upbeat coverage to follow .
Scripted or not , it 's better than the uncritical way that Steve Smith ploughed on .
Michael Clarke 's era was all about image .
Ricky Ponting is lauded as an astute analyst but showed no ability to reflect on his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Paine 's appointment has brought the team reflection and to some extent reconciliation .
As long as he 's at the standard , Paine is n't handing it over soon .
He has hinted at several more years .
Another Ashes in Australia must be a lure .
During times of criticism , he soldiered on .
Now that things have improved he 's enjoying them too much to stop .
Aside from as a leader , he remains the best gloveman in the country .
Then there 's the question of runs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trend is improving .
It 's easy to forget that young Paine was more highly rated as a batting talent .
He made his Test-best 92 at Mohali in 2010 , showing a fine method against spin to counter Harbhajan Singh .
He opened in 24 one-dayers , rattling up a century and five fifties .
An erratic career after his injury never let him get confident , always worrying about the next knock and the next operation .
But in Tests , Paine 's batting belies stats .
His fifties have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unbeaten rear guard in Dubai , an Ashes counter-attack in Adelaide , the partnership with Smith to set up that Manchester bounce back .
His first-class century hoodoo was dealt with straight after the 2019 Ashes .
His first hit in Tasmania 's season lasted for over five hours to score 121 .
Before the current season , Paine spent more time in the nets than ever before .
He arrived well before his teammates for extra hours on his game .
More than anything , he concentrated on playing the ball late @ @ @ @ @ @ @ After a life in cricket he came back to something fundamental .
Another Tasmania century followed , an unbeaten 111 , and he was on track for a first Test ton last week in Adelaide before running out of partners while everyone else struggled against the pink ball under lights .
His 73 not out saved his teammates from a first-innings deficit in triple figures , and set up the scenario for them to bowl out India for 36 and win the match .
It also bumped his Test average to 33.40 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a country spoiled by the unique talents of Adam Gilchrist .
However , Paine 's raise meant that he now averages second only to Gilchrist among Australian wicketkeepers .
He is also one of six Australian keepers with more than a thousand Test runs , currently on 1,403 .
Another 25 will take him past Bert Oldfield , with 80 innings to Paine 's 51 .
From there Paine would trail only Brad Haddin , Rod Marsh , Ian Healy and Gilchrist , each of whom batted over a hundred times .
Paine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put together the aspects of his record , including 147 Test dismissals and counting , and the complaints become a touch churlish .
Whatever the path from here , he 's done a sorely needed job in a way that no other contender could have matched .
It may have been an accident once , but Paine 's appointment might be the best thing that could have happened to Australia .
• None The Isle of Skye is the limit for Romesh Ranganathan

Tim Paine has captained Australia in 20 Tests
Australia v India, second Test Venue: Melbourne. Dates: 25-29 December. Start: 23:30 GMT Coverage: Live commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra, BBC Sport website and BBC Sounds app
As Tim Paine walked off the field on the first day at Headingley in 2019, the tension was clear. England's players had huddled to await an umpire's review that saw Paine lbw to Chris Woakes for 11. He looked back to the huddle and several players turned their heads, their words following the departing Australian captain.
The gist was soon known beyond the boundary: that Paine wasn't good enough to be playing against them; that he was a clubbie accidentally playing Test cricket. They thought he had fluked a spot when Australia was short of wicketkeepers in November 2017, and fluked the captaincy in March 2018 when three batsmen were banned and he was the most senior option still standing.
It wasn't only England players advancing this theory. Nor the English press pack, nor the English public. There were plenty in Australia doubting the credentials of someone who, it was agreed, had served well as a stopgap but should go the way that stopgaps go.
England captain Joe Root signals out after Australia captain Tim Paine is dismissed by Stuart Broad
Most attention went to Paine's batting, especially one piece of statistical trivia: that his career had returned a solitary first-class century scored in 2006. Journalists competed for the pithiest descriptions of that span: before Barack Obama's first term, back when Paine's coach was still scoring tons, back when Shakira released Hips Don't Lie.
All of this underestimated the tenacity and ability of a player who had persisted through seven years of a career derailed by injury, to the point that he was failing in local grade cricket, and had fought back up to the highest level.
Three days after that Headingley dismissal, Ben Stokes floored Australia in a late miracle, and Paine's same characteristics were evident as the captain who dragged his team off the carpet for an Ashes-sealing win in Manchester.
It was the same tenacity required in Cape Town in 2018, amidst a worldwide furore after his teammates were caught sandpapering a match ball. In the space of a morning, Paine became stand-in captain for the rest of that Test. In a few days he was temporary captain for the final Test in Johannesburg, in a few weeks he was permanent.
Temporary permanent, like some of the scaffolding grandstands at English cricket grounds. Left in place over the winter but only ever a day from being carted away. That's how Australia's cricket public saw him. But all the while he was making renovations.
It was Paine who admitted to the team's problems, something nobody had been willing to do.
"We've maybe had our head in the sand", he said, "that if we continue to win, we can act and behave how we like and the Australian public will be ok with that." This came the day before his first full Test as captain. "But I think it has got to the stage now where we need to listen to our fans and the Australian public and give them a cricket team that they are proud of, win, lose or draw."
Talk produced action. Paine made it clear that there was a standard of behaviour and that he would enforce it. Initially, while being pasted by Pakistan or losing at home to India, Paine remained expendable. But as he led for 2-2 in England before whitewashing Pakistan and New Zealand, it became apparent that this is now Paine's team.
His players gravitate to him on the field and he's central to their social life. They speak of him glowingly and have produced special performances. They're aware of how low things went, on the field and off, and seem to believe in the captain as key to a long rehabilitation.
"Tim Paine is the only guy in my eyes who really stood up and could take that challenge on," said his off-spinner Nathan Lyon earlier this year. "He keeps growing as a leader, he took the captaincy on in the hardest time in Australian cricket and he's done an amazing job of it."
None of which means that Paine is a choirboy. He can be lippy or lose his cool, and can have a very caustic edge whether joking or not. When there are celebrations to be had he's not shy of getting among them.
He's a canny operator: dealing with him as a journalist, he employs a dash of charisma that hints at friendship, and it's hard to pick how much is calculated. At other times you can easily see how he makes use of media tendencies.
Take Perth in 2019, when Paine's wicketkeeping chatter made news for how wholesome it was. Talking to Rishabh Pant about babysitting or to Murali Vijay about Virat Kohli, it was no accident that Paine delivered his lines straight into the stump microphones.
Or at a press conference while being smashed in the Sydney Test, when he answered a journalist's phone and took a message. He created upbeat coverage to follow.
Scripted or not, it's better than the uncritical way that Steve Smith ploughed on. Michael Clarke's era was all about image. Ricky Ponting is lauded as an astute analyst but showed no ability to reflect on his team's culture while leading it. Paine's appointment has brought the team reflection and to some extent reconciliation.
As long as he's at the standard, Paine isn't handing it over soon. He has hinted at several more years. Another Ashes in Australia must be a lure. During times of criticism, he soldiered on. Now that things have improved he's enjoying them too much to stop. Aside from as a leader, he remains the best gloveman in the country. Then there's the question of runs.
Unusually at age 36, that trend is improving. It's easy to forget that young Paine was more highly rated as a batting talent. He made his Test-best 92 at Mohali in 2010, showing a fine method against spin to counter Harbhajan Singh. He opened in 24 one-dayers, rattling up a century and five fifties.
An erratic career after his injury never let him get confident, always worrying about the next knock and the next operation. But in Tests, Paine's batting belies stats. His fifties have been the kind that affect results: an unbeaten rear guard in Dubai, an Ashes counter-attack in Adelaide, the partnership with Smith to set up that Manchester bounce back.
His first-class century hoodoo was dealt with straight after the 2019 Ashes. His first hit in Tasmania's season lasted for over five hours to score 121.
Tim Paine has a close relationship with Australia head coach Justin Langer
Before the current season, Paine spent more time in the nets than ever before. He arrived well before his teammates for extra hours on his game. More than anything, he concentrated on playing the ball late, softly, waiting and waiting. After a life in cricket he came back to something fundamental.
Another Tasmania century followed, an unbeaten 111, and he was on track for a first Test ton last week in Adelaide before running out of partners while everyone else struggled against the pink ball under lights. His 73 not out saved his teammates from a first-innings deficit in triple figures, and set up the scenario for them to bowl out India for 36 and win the match.
It also bumped his Test average to 33.40, a range that gets scoffed at in a country spoiled by the unique talents of Adam Gilchrist. However, Paine's raise meant that he now averages second only to Gilchrist among Australian wicketkeepers.
He is also one of six Australian keepers with more than a thousand Test runs, currently on 1,403. Another 25 will take him past Bert Oldfield, with 80 innings to Paine's 51. From there Paine would trail only Brad Haddin, Rod Marsh, Ian Healy and Gilchrist, each of whom batted over a hundred times.
Paine won't get that luxury. But put together the aspects of his record, including 147 Test dismissals and counting, and the complaints become a touch churlish. Whatever the path from here, he's done a sorely needed job in a way that no other contender could have matched. It may have been an accident once, but Paine's appointment might be the best thing that could have happened to Australia.


bbc--2020-12-24--Style critics try to destabilise us, says Leeds boss Bielsa

Last updated on .From the section Leeds United Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa says some sections of the media are trying to `` destabilise '' his players by asking them if he should change their style .
The Argentine insists he does not value style over substance , saying any such perception is wrong .
`` It 's just another way to try to ridicule me , '' he said .
Bielsa arrived at his news conference before Sunday 's game against Burnley with a dossier and spent more than 40 minutes analysing his team 's loss at Old Trafford in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I do n't worry too much about what the press think , '' Bielsa said .
`` What does worry me is what is written influences the public ; they decrease the capacity to understand for the public .
`` Also , they try to destabilise by suggesting to the players the style needs to be changed .
`` Of course , this happens when the results allow .
It does n't matter if in the previous game , the opinion was completely different . ''
Bielsa , 65 , has transformed Leeds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leading the Yorkshire club back into the Premier League last season after a 16-year absence .
The Whites have proved an entertaining addition to the English top-flight this season , having stuck to their high-tempo attacking principles and being involved in several high-scoring matches .
Four days after beating Newcastle 5-2 at Elland Road , Bielsa 's side lost heavily against their old rivals at Old Trafford .
Leeds are 14th in the Premier League , having taken 17 points from their opening 14 games .
`` The best way to win is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say I put style over results , '' said Bielsa .
`` Normally , when there is adversity , what the press do is try to weaken the one who is facing adversity or to ridicule the style of play of a team . ''
• None The Isle of Skye is the limit for Romesh Ranganathan

Last updated on .From the section Leeds United
Leeds had obligation to keep fighting - Bielsa
Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa says some sections of the media are trying to "destabilise" his players by asking them if he should change their style.
Bielsa's attacking tactics were questioned by some onlookers - although praised by others - after a 6-2 defeat at Manchester United on Sunday.
The Argentine insists he does not value style over substance, saying any such perception is wrong.
"It's just another way to try to ridicule me," he said.
Bielsa arrived at his news conference before Sunday's game against Burnley with a dossier and spent more than 40 minutes analysing his team's loss at Old Trafford in answering questions about their style.
"I don't worry too much about what the press think," Bielsa said.
"What does worry me is what is written influences the public; they decrease the capacity to understand for the public.
"Also, they try to destabilise by suggesting to the players the style needs to be changed.
"Of course, this happens when the results allow. It doesn't matter if in the previous game, the opinion was completely different."
Bielsa, 65, has transformed Leeds since taking over in June 2018, leading the Yorkshire club back into the Premier League last season after a 16-year absence.
The Whites have proved an entertaining addition to the English top-flight this season, having stuck to their high-tempo attacking principles and being involved in several high-scoring matches.
Four days after beating Newcastle 5-2 at Elland Road, Bielsa's side lost heavily against their old rivals at Old Trafford.
Leeds are 14th in the Premier League, having taken 17 points from their opening 14 games.
"The best way to win is to play well. So nobody can say I put style over results," said Bielsa.
"Normally, when there is adversity, what the press do is try to weaken the one who is facing adversity or to ridicule the style of play of a team."


bbc--2020-12-24--'Leicester v Man Utd is the big one' - Lawro's Premier League predictions v Rick Astley

Liverpool are top of the table this Christmas but the big game on 26 December is second-placed Leicester against third-placed Manchester United .
`` Along with Manchester City , United seem the most likely team to me to run Liverpool close , '' said BBC football expert Mark Lawrenson .
`` After a slow start to the season , they have just started to get it together .
`` United will be a threat to Liverpool , and Manchester City will be there or thereabouts too .
They have got too much quality not to be . ''
Lawro is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matches this season , against a variety of guests .
This weekend , he is up against singer Rick Astley , whose new festive single 'Love this Christmas ' is out now .
Astley performed 'Every One of Us ' at last weekend 's BBC Sport 's Personality of the Year awards - his song was used to launch 2020 's Unsung Hero awards and raise money for Children In Need .
`` It was so weird on the one hand , because you are so used to seeing 10,000 people at SPOTY @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night and they threw everything they could at it to make it work as well as possible in the circumstances , '' he told BBC Sport .
Astley is a Manchester United fan and the last time he took on Lawro , in 2016 , he revealed he thought he might be a jinx because his first few visits to Old Trafford saw them lose .
He told BBC Sport : `` I do n't think I 'm a real jinx , but funnily enough I was talking about that to someone last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rashford was coming into the building for SPOTY .
`` I would have loved to have met him properly - I have spoken to him very briefly before at the club 's training ground in Carrington - and obviously I had see watched him play that day in United 's win over Leeds before he came over , so I thought he 'd be in a good mood .
`` Then I thought 'hang on , you are being daft - you ca n't just go and say hello to people because everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which is why we were doing the show that way in the first place .
`` So I did n't talk to him , but it was brilliant to see Marcus recognised for his work to raise awareness of child poverty in the UK with a special award .
`` Premier League footballers are usually among the first people in society who are pointed at because of the money they earn , especially when one of them does something stupid .
`` But you have to remember a lot of them are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I can relate to that a bit with the music industry where you can have a hit record out and a year later your bank manager is saying 'you 'd better sit down ' if it goes really well .
`` So I can understand when the money side of it turns players ' heads , but I think it is really good that we have had so many positive role models emerge in football in the past few years and tackling some important topics , not just Marcus but someone like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` As professional athletes they are very privileged to earn what they do and are quite sheltered from the realities of life , but listening to Rashford it is clear he can relate to being a kid in a situation where life is not treating you well , and you are not getting the opportunities or - in his case - even getting enough food .
`` He 's experienced it , and seen the difference between the haves and the have nots in Manchester , which is quite stark .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of course , but I can relate to it with Manchester because I grew up close by and saw that for myself .
`` So it 's important for him to speak out - and I 'm really pleased he 's been recognised for what he has done . ''
You can still download the charity single 'Every One of Us ' , by Rick Astley featuring The Unsung Heroes , with proceeds going to Children in Need .
A correct result ( picking a win , draw or defeat ) is worth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 40 points .
Both of these sides are much better on the road than they are at home - United have won all six of their away league games this season .
Leicester , meanwhile , have got half as many points at the King Power Stadium as they have on their travels - nine at home , compared to 18 away .
The Foxes ' latest excellent away result came against Tottenham last weekend and , although there is a lot more to them than just one player , they are set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jamie Vardy and they play to his strengths .
An in-form Vardy is hard for anyone to stop , but I look at United and I see a team that is just clicking into gear .
I am backing them to make it seven away wins out of seven .
Rick 's prediction : United will go second if we win this game , two points behind a Liverpool team who have been phenomenal for the past couple of years - and I think any United fan would take that at Christmas in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ferguson was manager - although he would n't be happy about it !
We obviously do n't like being behind Liverpool under any circumstances but we just have to beat them when we play them and we are above them .
So I think we are doing well at the moment , especially considering what a strange season it has been , with no fans and crazy results for every team .
Not having any fans is actually turning into a disadvantage for most people , because you have the pressure of being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ usual advantages - which is part of the reason Leicester and ourselves have got such a great away record .
There are going to be a lot of goals in this one , and I 'm going with United to win again on the road .
2-3 Aston Villa 's results have been up and down all season but they are on a good run at the moment with seven points from their past three games .
In contrast , Palace were taken apart by Liverpool last weekend .
Yes , part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were absolutely outstanding in attack , and I 'm sure we will see a reaction from the Eagles here , but I still think Villa will be able to open them up .
Jack Grealish is playing well and he is now to Villa what Wilfried Zaha is for Palace - their attacking talisman .
On top of that , Villa play like they believe they belong in the Premier League because their results have given them that confidence .
Rick 's prediction : Palace crumbled against Liverpool , which is very unlike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time .
1-1 Southampton could be without a few key players - Oriol Romeu is definitely missing through suspension and Danny Ings , Jannik Vestergaard and Nathan Redmond are all injury doubts .
Collectively , their absence would make a big difference .
I 'm going to go with Fulham here , even with manager Scott Parker missing from the dugout .
After a poor start to the season they have been improving in recent weeks , with three successive draws .
The Cottagers have become much more difficult to beat , now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wins .
Rick 's prediction : I quite like Fulham and have been to a few games at Craven Cottage - a friend of mine , Richard Drummie from Go West , has got season tickets there and phones me up sometimes when his son does n't want to go - but unfortunately for them I think Southampton are going to win this one .
0-2 Arsenal are n't winning games but I would not point the finger at their manager , Mikel Arteta , I think their issues run far deeper that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enough - I know it probably was n't possible but I honestly think they need their former manager Arsene Wenger in charge of that side of things .
I look at some of the Gunners players , and I do n't think they care enough .
Are they particularly bothered if they keep losing games ?
I do n't get the impression that they are .
Again , that 's not Arteta 's fault .
Arsenal 's better players this season have been their kids , because some of the older ones do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arsenal - I think they are playing for themselves .
Having said all of that , I have a feeling the Gunners will get something here .
They are on a poor run , but they still have some quality players in their side , and they are going to show it at some point soon .
I am not totally convinced by Chelsea either .
They were on a really good run until the start of December but I do n't think they are consistent enough to challenge Liverpool for the title @ @ @ @ @ @ @ target for Frank Lampard 's side though .
Rick 's prediction : Arsenal are hopeless at the moment are n't they ?
I 've got to be honest , it does give me a sense of glee to say that .
Two of my oldest friends are Arsenal fans , actually , and we are actually pretty civilised about it if they , or United , are having a bad time of it .
There is a rivalry there though , of course , but with the teams you do n't like , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respect because the reason you do n't like them is that you sort of fear them a bit , or they have been - as Arsenal were for a long time to United under Arsene Wenger - your main rival .
0-3 Newcastle did not play well against Brentford when they went out of the Carabao Cup in midweek , and they only managed a draw at home to Fulham last weekend .
The Magpies will have to do a lot better than that to get anything at Etihad Stadium and I do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Aguero back fully fit to lead their attack would be a big boost for City but I would expect them to beat Newcastle even if he is n't ready .
Rick 's prediction : At some point , City are going to to put their foot on the gas .
I do n't think they are far away from being in the mix for the title either .
3-1 This will be physical because both teams can play that way .
Everton have got more quality but Sheffield United showed they were up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , when they almost held on for a win despite going down to 10 men .
Despite only picking up two points from their first 14 games , I do n't think the Blades ' survival chances are all over just yet .
Their hopes are fading fast though .
Rick 's prediction : I feel a bit sorry for Sheffield United but I do n't see anything changing for them here .
0-2 Burnley are on a good run , with two draws and two wins in their past four games , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Leeds are not great defensively in open play or at set-pieces , and their goalkeeper Illan Meslier makes some good saves but does n't command the area .
Meslier is just a kid at 20 .
He looks like he has the makings of a really good keeper , but he is n't one at the moment .
He is still learning , and he is playing behind a porous back four .
Leeds know their strength is going forward , though , and they are not going to change .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is no way they are getting a clean sheet .
Rick 's prediction : These two sides have very different playing styles .
I 'd have to say Leeds will win this one .
I know we gave them a bit of a lesson last weekend but their attacking approach has been working this season .
2-1 This is a tough one to call because you know that Brighton play some good football without really hurting teams .
West Ham have been playing some decent stuff too , but have gone a couple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to go with the Hammers , though , mainly because there is a chance that Michail Antonio could be available after his hamstring injury .
Liverpool 's home record is just unbelievable , fans or no fans .
All the time , their young players are getting more and more experience too and , whoever they play at Anfield , they seem to be able to just brush them aside .
It 's hard to make a case for West Brom to get anything out of this one but it would help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the pitch this weekend .
I am sure new Baggies boss Sam Allardyce will get that message across to his players pretty quickly but , in terms of results , I am not expecting to see them make much improvement until the January transfer window opens .
Big Sam is the last man to win at Anfield in the Premier League , with Palace in April 2017 , but I do n't see a repeat result for him here .
I know it has been a strange season , but come on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ !
I fear for West Brom here - this could be literally anything .
Mr Allardyce will have had a few more days to organise West Brom , but he 's got to work with what he has got for now .
5-0 Tottenham have hit a little sticky patch , with two defeats and a draw in their past three matches , and Wolves have not been great either , with three defeats in four games in December .
Goals might be the problem for both teams here , because I can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really need a win , but they might have to settle for a point apiece .
Rick 's prediction : Wolves have got some excellent players , but they have n't really got going this season .
1-3 How did Lawro do last time ?
Last weekend , Lawro got four correct results from 10 matches , with no exact scores , for a total of 40 points .
He was beaten by singer Becky Hill , who got five correct results , including one exact score , for a total of 90 @ @

Liverpool are top of the table this Christmas but the big game on 26 December is second-placed Leicester against third-placed Manchester United.
Will the Foxes or United challenge the Reds for the Premier League title in 2021? Or will it be someone else?
"Along with Manchester City, United seem the most likely team to me to run Liverpool close," said BBC football expert Mark Lawrenson. "After a slow start to the season, they have just started to get it together.
"United will be a threat to Liverpool, and Manchester City will be there or thereabouts too. They have got too much quality not to be."
Manchester City are eighth, with 23 points from 13 games
Lawro is making predictions for all 380 Premier League matches this season, against a variety of guests.
This weekend, he is up against singer Rick Astley, whose new festive single 'Love this Christmas' is out now.
Rick reached number two at Christmas 1987 with a cover of Nat King Cole's classic 'When I fall in love'
Astley performed 'Every One of Us' at last weekend's BBC Sport's Personality of the Year awards - his song was used to launch 2020's Unsung Hero awards and raise money for Children In Need.
"It was so weird on the one hand, because you are so used to seeing 10,000 people at SPOTY, but it was still a great night and they threw everything they could at it to make it work as well as possible in the circumstances," he told BBC Sport.
Astley is a Manchester United fan and the last time he took on Lawro, in 2016, he revealed he thought he might be a jinx because his first few visits to Old Trafford saw them lose.
He told BBC Sport: "I don't think I'm a real jinx, but funnily enough I was talking about that to someone last weekend because [United striker] Marcus Rashford was coming into the building for SPOTY.
"I would have loved to have met him properly - I have spoken to him very briefly before at the club's training ground in Carrington - and obviously I had see watched him play that day in United's win over Leeds before he came over, so I thought he'd be in a good mood.
"Then I thought 'hang on, you are being daft - you can't just go and say hello to people because everyone is trying to observe social distancing', which is why we were doing the show that way in the first place.
"So I didn't talk to him, but it was brilliant to see Marcus recognised for his work to raise awareness of child poverty in the UK with a special award.
Rashford explains his drive to help children in poverty
"Premier League footballers are usually among the first people in society who are pointed at because of the money they earn, especially when one of them does something stupid.
"But you have to remember a lot of them are very young which can distort your behaviour, I can relate to that a bit with the music industry where you can have a hit record out and a year later your bank manager is saying 'you'd better sit down' if it goes really well.
"So I can understand when the money side of it turns players' heads, but I think it is really good that we have had so many positive role models emerge in football in the past few years and tackling some important topics, not just Marcus but someone like Raheem Sterling at Manchester City as well.
"As professional athletes they are very privileged to earn what they do and are quite sheltered from the realities of life, but listening to Rashford it is clear he can relate to being a kid in a situation where life is not treating you well, and you are not getting the opportunities or - in his case - even getting enough food.
"He's experienced it, and seen the difference between the haves and the have nots in Manchester, which is quite stark. It's the same in all big cities of course, but I can relate to it with Manchester because I grew up close by and saw that for myself.
"So it's important for him to speak out - and I'm really pleased he's been recognised for what he has done."
You can still download the charity single 'Every One of Us', by Rick Astley featuring The Unsung Heroes, with proceeds going to Children in Need.
Premier League predictions - week 15 Result Lawro Rick SATURDAY, 26 DECEMBER Leicester v Man Utd 2-2 0-2 2-3 Aston Villa v Crystal Palace 3-0 2-0 1-1 Fulham v Southampton 0-0 2-1 0-2 Arsenal v Chelsea 3-1 1-1 0-3 Man City v Newcastle 2-0 3-0 3-1 Sheff Utd v Everton 0-1 1-1 0-2 SUNDAY, 27 DECEMBER Leeds v Burnley 1-0 2-1 2-1 West Ham v Brighton 2-2 2-1 2-0 Liverpool v West Brom 1-1 3-0 5-0 Wolves v Tottenham 1-1 1-1 1-3
A correct result (picking a win, draw or defeat) is worth 10 points. The exact score earns 40 points.
LAWRO'S PREDICTIONS
SATURDAY
Leicester 2-2 Man Utd
Lawro's prediction: 0-2
Rick's prediction: 2-3
Match report
Aston Villa 3-0 Crystal Palace
Lawro's prediction: 2-0
Rick's prediction: 1-1
Match report
Fulham 0-0 Southampton
Lawro's prediction: 2-1
Rick's prediction: 0-2
Match report
Arsenal 3-1 Chelsea
Lawro's prediction: 1-1
Rick's prediction: 0-3
Match report
Man City 2-0 Newcastle
Lawro's prediction: 3-0
Rick's prediction: 3-1
Match report
Sheff Utd 0-1 Everton
Lawro's prediction: 1-1
Rick's prediction: 0-2
Match report
SUNDAY
Leeds 1-0 Burnley
Lawro's prediction: 2-1
Rick's prediction: 2-1
Match report
West Ham 2-2 Brighton
Lawro's prediction: 2-1
Rick's prediction: 2-0
Match report
Liverpool 1-1 West Brom
Lawro's prediction: 3-0
Rick's prediction: 5-0
Match report
Wolves 1-1 Tottenham
Lawro's prediction: 1-1
Rick's prediction: 1-3
Match report
Lawro was speaking to BBC Sport's Chris Bevan.
How did Lawro do last time?
Last weekend, Lawro got four correct results from 10 matches, with no exact scores, for a total of 40 points.
He was beaten by singer Becky Hill, who got five correct results, including one exact score, for a total of 90 points.
+/- DENOTE POSITION DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LAWRO'S TABLE AND ACTUAL POSITION TEAM P W D L PTS +/- 1 Chelsea 14 11 2 1 35 +4 2 Man City 13 10 3 0 33 +6 3 Man Utd 13 10 2 1 32 0 4 Liverpool 14 9 4 1 31 -3 =5 Leeds 14 9 1 4 28 +9 =5 Leicester 14 9 1 4 28 -3 =5 Tottenham 14 9 1 4 25 +1 8 Arsenal 13 7 1 5 22 +7 =9 Brighton 14 5 2 7 17 +8 =9 Southampton 14 5 2 7 17 -2 =9 Wolves 14 4 5 5 17 +2 =12 Burnley 13 4 4 5 16 +4 =12 Newcastle 13 5 1 7 16 0 =14 Everton 14 3 6 5 15 -10 =14 West Ham 14 4 3 7 15 -4 16 Crystal Palace 14 3 3 8 12 -3 17 Aston Villa 12 2 4 6 10 -8 18 Sheff Utd 14 2 2 10 8 +2 19 Fulham 14 1 0 13 3 -1 20 West Brom 14 0 2 12 2 -1
GUEST LEADERBOARD 2020-21
Score Guest 110 Sister Bliss, Amy Macdonald, Steve White 90 Adam Devonshire, Becky Hill 80 Raye 75 Lawro (average after 14 weeks) 60 Celeste, Caroline Weir 50 Declan McKenna, Paul Smith, DJ Target 40 Gavin 'Mo' Edgeley 20 Dougie Payne 0 Rema
Total scores after week 14 Lawro 1,050 Guests 920


bbc--2020-12-24--Ex-F1 boss Williams discharged from hospital

Last updated on .From the section Formula 1 Sir Frank Williams has been discharged from hospital and is `` on @ @ @ @ @ , the Williams F1 team says .
Williams , 78 , who built the team @ @ @ @ @ of the most successful in Formula 1 , was admitted to hospital earlier this month @ @ @ @ @ Williams , the team won nine constructors ' championships and seven drivers ' titles , @ @ @ @ @ 1980s and 1990s .
He and daughter Claire stepped down in September after selling Williams @ @ @ @ @ to say that Sir Frank has been discharged from hospital and is now on the @ @ @ @ @ the Williams F1 team said .
`` The Williams family would like to thank everyone @ @ @ @ @ difficult time . ''

Last updated on .From the section Formula 1
Williams oversaw the early careers of paddock legends like Adrian Newey and Ross Brawn
Sir Frank Williams has been discharged from hospital and is "on the mend at home", the Williams F1 team says.
Williams, 78, who built the team named after him into one of the most successful in Formula 1, was admitted to hospital earlier this month.
During his time with Williams, the team won nine constructors' championships and seven drivers' titles, and dominated much of the 1980s and 1990s.
He and daughter Claire stepped down in September after selling Williams.
"We're delighted to say that Sir Frank has been discharged from hospital and is now on the mend at home," the Williams F1 team said. external-link
"The Williams family would like to thank everyone for their support during this difficult time."


bbc--2020-12-25--Brexit: EU diplomats get trade deal briefing

In another development following the deal announcement , the UK Mission to the EU said people with a driving licence @ @ @ @ @ not need to use an International Drivers Licence in the EU , and that the @ @ @ @ @ EHIC ) would be replaced by a similar scheme .
Current EHIC cards will remain @ @ @ @ @ .

He said the UK had not got all it wanted on financial services, a vital part of the UK economy, but insisted the deal was "nonetheless going to enable our dynamic City of London to get on and prosper as never before".


bbc--2020-12-25--Pope urges coronavirus vaccine access for all

`` At this moment in history , marked by the ecological crisis and grave economic and social imbalances only worsened @ @ @ @ @ it is all the more important for us to acknowledge one another as brothers and @ @ @

"At this moment in history, marked by the ecological crisis and grave economic and social imbalances only worsened by the coronavirus pandemic, it is all the more important for us to acknowledge one another as brothers and sisters."


bbc--2020-12-25--Notre-Dame: Choir sings inside cathedral for first time since fire

It was a case of Jingle Bells and hard hats , as a choir performed inside the Notre-Dame cathedral for @ @ @ @ @ April 2019 fire .
The pre-recorded Christmas Eve concert saw singers from the Maitrise Notre-Dame @ @ @ @ @ protective suits .
The Paris cathedral is not expected to reopen until at least 2024 @

It was a case of Jingle Bells and hard hats, as a choir performed inside the Notre-Dame cathedral for the first time since the April 2019 fire.
The pre-recorded Christmas Eve concert saw singers from the Maitrise Notre-Dame de Paris choir perform in protective suits.
The Paris cathedral is not expected to reopen until at least 2024.
This video has been removed for rights reasons.


bbc--2020-12-25--Alexei Navalny ally Lyubov Sobol 'held after raid'

It comes four days after she had gone to the home of Konstantin Kudryavtsev , a member of Russia 's @ @ @ @ @ ) , whom Mr Navalny had the previous week apparently tricked into divulging details of @ @ @ @ @ .

It comes four days after she had gone to the home of Konstantin Kudryavtsev, a member of Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB), whom Mr Navalny had the previous week apparently tricked into divulging details of the attempt on his life.


bbc--2020-12-25--Covid-19: US imposes tests on UK airline passengers

As the new variant has spread quickly in London and south-east England , rules have been tightened across the UK @ @ @ @ @ % of the population - 48 million people - will be in the top two @ @ @ @ @

As the new variant has spread quickly in London and south-east England, rules have been tightened across the UK, meaning more than 85% of the population - 48 million people - will be in the top two tiers after 26 December.


bbc--2020-12-25--Georgia climbers who risk their lives for Christmas trees

In the Caucasus Mountains of the Republic of Georgia , villagers make a vital seasonal income harvesting the seeds of @ @ @ @ @ Europe , where they will become Christmas trees .
Pickers climb to the top of @ @ @ @ @ cones .
Some use safety ropes but others rely on their climbing skills and wits @ @ @ @ @ are common .

In the Caucasus Mountains of the Republic of Georgia, villagers make a vital seasonal income harvesting the seeds of Nordmann firs for export to Europe, where they will become Christmas trees. Pickers climb to the top of 50m giants to harvest the cones. Some use safety ropes but others rely on their climbing skills and wits, and deaths and injuries are common.
Produced by Rayhan Demytrie.
Edited by Robin Forestier-Walker.
Filmed by Iago Gogilashvili
Fixer and translator: Nino Shonia