bbc--2020-12-15--Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-1 Chelsea: Pedro Neto scores late winner for Wolves

Last updated on .From the section Premier League Frank Lampard says his Chelsea players may be suffering from fatigue after Wolves came from behind to beat the Blues with an added-time winner .
Daniel Podence had equalised in the second half after Olivier Giroud put the Blues ahead .
The Portugal forward tiptoed through the Chelsea defence before wrong-footing goalkeeper Edouard Mendy with a shot that deflected in off Reece James .
It came after a fierce Giroud volley from Ben Chilwell 's cross crept through Rui Patricio 's gloves to open the scoring for the visitors .
Neto was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after referee Stuart Attwell reviewed his original decision on the pitch-side monitor and judged the Wolves forward was not fouled by James .
But the 20-year-old broke away in the 95th minute and fired a low strike into the far corner beyond Mendy to earn Wolves only their second win in six games .
It is a second successive defeat for Chelsea after they were beaten at Everton on Saturday , another game in which they could have gone top of the table .
`` There could be some fatigue , '' said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five games in December .
`` I hate to say it after a defeat because it feels like an excuse but even in the first 60 minutes when we were the better team , we did n't have a zip about us .
`` We 've travelled up to Everton , came back and then travelled to Wolves but everyone is in the same boat .
`` We have a couple of injuries in areas which means I ca n't make too many changes so I understand that side of it . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ have enough answers '' in that 1-0 defeat against the Toffees , with Tottenham also frustrating his side in a goalless draw at Stamford Bridge last month .
It was a similar story at Molineux as the Blues failed to have a shot on target in the opening 45 minutes , Kurt Zouma hitting the crossbar and Giroud heading over from a corner .
The visitors made amends immediately after the break as Giroud beat Willy Boly to Chilwell 's low ball to fizz a left-footed volley underneath Patricio .
It was the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many games in all competitions , but it was not enough to stop the Blues losing consecutive top-flight matches for the first time since December last year .
Lampard may have had reason to feel aggrieved at Wolves ' leveller , which followed a corner awarded to the hosts despite the ball having appeared to go out off Boly .
But Chelsea failed to create any serious chances after Giroud 's goal and were picked off on the break by the hosts ' pace and trickery in attack .
With Tottenham visiting Liverpool @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Chelsea to move briefly into top spot and apply pressure .
Instead , the Blues remain fifth and could lose ground on the top four with all the teams in the Champions League places still to play this week .
`` We had a couple of moments where the players are switching off and that cant happen , '' Lampard told BBC Radio 5 Live .
`` You can get your message on the pitch and do your messaging before the game , letting them know these are one of the biggest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and have pace and a threat against you , and the players have to deal with that .
`` We have some younger players , we have some new players to the league , they do need to understand that these games come and if we want to get where we want to get to , we have to see them through . ''
Wolves had failed to score in their previous two games after losing talismanic striker Raul Jimenez , who suffered a fractured skull against Arsenal .
The Mexican played in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Santo 's side last season , scoring 17 goals .
Against Chelsea the manager turned to 18-year-old club-record signing Fabio Silva in his search for goals .
Silva , who joined for £35m from Porto , did have the ball in the net but only after straying offside and generally found it a tough evening up against an experienced defender twice his age in Chelsea 's Thiago Silva .
Portuguese duo Podence and Neto produced the main goal threat for the hosts , who also sold Diogo Jota to Liverpool in the summer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attacking burden in Jimenez 's absence .
Wolves also looked solid at the back , with Nuno reverting to three central defenders after playing with a back four in their past four games .
The results lifts his side to 10th in the table .
'The boys believed the game was there' Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo to Amazon : `` We were always in the game .
We were well organised .
In the second half we played really good football .
`` In the first half the game was tight , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the boys believed the game was there to be competitive .
`` We were disappointed three days ago [ at losing late on to Aston Villa ] .
Football is until the last minute .
It can happen to any team .
`` It 's a strange season .
We miss our fans today .
There are too many voices around the referee and technical staff .
Too bad the fans are not here to celebrate with us . ''
• None Wolves have lost just one of their past six Premier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ losing consecutive home top-flight games since January 2019 .
• None Each of Wolves ' last 83 goals in the Premier League have been scored by non-British players - only Arsenal have had a longer such run in the competition ( 171 between October 2005-February 2008 ) .
• None No player has scored more goals for Chelsea in all competitions this season than Olivier Giroud ( eight , level with Timo Werner ) .
• None Giroud has scored six goals in his past four away games in all competitions , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in his previous 20 .
• None All four of Daniel Podence 's Premier League goals for Wolves have come against London clubs ( two v Crystal Palace , one v Arsenal and one v Chelsea ) .
Wolves visit Burnley on Monday in the 17:30 GMT kick-off , while Chelsea host West Ham later that evening ( 20:00 ) .
• None Want all the goals and talking points from Sunday 's Premier League games ?

Last updated on .From the section Premier League
'This group has things to learn' - Lampard reflects on Chelsea's defeat by Wolves
Frank Lampard says his Chelsea players may be suffering from fatigue after Wolves came from behind to beat the Blues with an added-time winner.
Pedro Neto's 95th-minute strike gave the hosts a dramatic victory at Molineux and stopped Lampard's side going top of the Premier League.
Daniel Podence had equalised in the second half after Olivier Giroud put the Blues ahead.
The Portugal forward tiptoed through the Chelsea defence before wrong-footing goalkeeper Edouard Mendy with a shot that deflected in off Reece James.
It came after a fierce Giroud volley from Ben Chilwell's cross crept through Rui Patricio's gloves to open the scoring for the visitors.
Neto was denied a late penalty for the hosts after referee Stuart Attwell reviewed his original decision on the pitch-side monitor and judged the Wolves forward was not fouled by James.
But the 20-year-old broke away in the 95th minute and fired a low strike into the far corner beyond Mendy to earn Wolves only their second win in six games.
It is a second successive defeat for Chelsea after they were beaten at Everton on Saturday, another game in which they could have gone top of the table.
"There could be some fatigue," said Lampard, whose side have already played five games in December.
"I hate to say it after a defeat because it feels like an excuse but even in the first 60 minutes when we were the better team, we didn't have a zip about us.
"We've travelled up to Everton, came back and then travelled to Wolves but everyone is in the same boat.
"We have a couple of injuries in areas which means I can't make too many changes so I understand that side of it."
Blues' title charge stuttering?
Olivier Giroud opened the scoring in the 49th minute with Chelsea's first shot on target
Lampard said his side did not "have enough answers" in that 1-0 defeat against the Toffees, with Tottenham also frustrating his side in a goalless draw at Stamford Bridge last month.
It was a similar story at Molineux as the Blues failed to have a shot on target in the opening 45 minutes, Kurt Zouma hitting the crossbar and Giroud heading over from a corner.
The visitors made amends immediately after the break as Giroud beat Willy Boly to Chilwell's low ball to fizz a left-footed volley underneath Patricio.
It was the in-form Frenchman's seventh goal in as many games in all competitions, but it was not enough to stop the Blues losing consecutive top-flight matches for the first time since December last year.
Lampard may have had reason to feel aggrieved at Wolves' leveller, which followed a corner awarded to the hosts despite the ball having appeared to go out off Boly.
But Chelsea failed to create any serious chances after Giroud's goal and were picked off on the break by the hosts' pace and trickery in attack.
With Tottenham visiting Liverpool on Wednesday, this was a chance for Chelsea to move briefly into top spot and apply pressure.
Instead, the Blues remain fifth and could lose ground on the top four with all the teams in the Champions League places still to play this week.
"We had a couple of moments where the players are switching off and that cant happen," Lampard told BBC Radio 5 Live.
"You can get your message on the pitch and do your messaging before the game, letting them know these are one of the biggest counter-attacking teams in the Premier League, and have pace and a threat against you, and the players have to deal with that.
"We have some younger players, we have some new players to the league, they do need to understand that these games come and if we want to get where we want to get to, we have to see them through."
Wolves find goalscoring solution
Wolves had failed to score in their previous two games after losing talismanic striker Raul Jimenez, who suffered a fractured skull against Arsenal.
The Mexican played in every Premier League match for Nuno Espirito Santo's side last season, scoring 17 goals.
Against Chelsea the manager turned to 18-year-old club-record signing Fabio Silva in his search for goals.
Silva, who joined for £35m from Porto, did have the ball in the net but only after straying offside and generally found it a tough evening up against an experienced defender twice his age in Chelsea's Thiago Silva.
Portuguese duo Podence and Neto produced the main goal threat for the hosts, who also sold Diogo Jota to Liverpool in the summer, and looked capable of shouldering the attacking burden in Jimenez's absence.
Wolves also looked solid at the back, with Nuno reverting to three central defenders after playing with a back four in their past four games.
The results lifts his side to 10th in the table.
'The boys believed the game was there'
Nuno Espirito Santo emphasises the importance of finding 'more solutions' in front of goal
Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo to Amazon: "We were always in the game. We were well organised. In the second half we played really good football.
"In the first half the game was tight, Chelsea had the ball. Second half, the boys believed the game was there to be competitive.
"We were disappointed three days ago [at losing late on to Aston Villa]. Football is until the last minute. It can happen to any team.
"It's a strange season. We miss our fans today. There are too many voices around the referee and technical staff. Too bad the fans are not here to celebrate with us."
Giroud continues prolific form - the stats
Wolves have lost just one of their past six Premier League home games and have now avoided losing consecutive home top-flight games since January 2019.
Each of Wolves' last 83 goals in the Premier League have been scored by non-British players - only Arsenal have had a longer such run in the competition (171 between October 2005-February 2008).
No player has scored more goals for Chelsea in all competitions this season than Olivier Giroud (eight, level with Timo Werner).
Giroud has scored six goals in his past four away games in all competitions, as many as he managed for the Blues in his previous 20.
All four of Daniel Podence's Premier League goals for Wolves have come against London clubs (two v Crystal Palace, one v Arsenal and one v Chelsea).
What's next?
Wolves visit Burnley on Monday in the 17:30 GMT kick-off, while Chelsea host West Ham later that evening (20:00).
Player of the match Daniel Podence Daniel Podence with an average of 8.43 Wolves Wolverhampton Wanderers Wolverhampton Wanderers
Chelsea Chelsea Chelsea Wolverhampton Wanderers Avg Squad number 10 Player name Daniel Podence Average rating 8.43 Squad number 7 Player name Pedro Neto Average rating 8.42 Squad number 16 Player name Coady Average rating 7.44 Squad number 8 Player name Rúben Neves Average rating 7.41 Squad number 27 Player name Saïss Average rating 7.38 Squad number 54 Player name Otasowie Average rating 7.36 Squad number 17 Player name Fábio Silva Average rating 7.20 Squad number 5 Player name Marçal Average rating 7.19 Squad number 15 Player name Boly Average rating 7.18 Squad number 11 Player name Rui Patrício Average rating 7.18 Squad number 20 Player name Vitinha Average rating 7.03 Squad number 37 Player name Traoré Average rating 6.75 Squad number 22 Player name Nélson Semedo Average rating 6.74 Squad number 32 Player name Dendoncker Average rating 6.59 Chelsea Avg Squad number 18 Player name Giroud Average rating 5.40 Squad number 10 Player name Pulisic Average rating 4.69 Squad number 7 Player name Kanté Average rating 4.60 Squad number 21 Player name Chilwell Average rating 4.25 Squad number 15 Player name Zouma Average rating 4.21 Squad number 6 Player name Thiago Silva Average rating 4.20 Squad number 16 Player name Mendy Average rating 4.00 Squad number 24 Player name James Average rating 3.96 Squad number 19 Player name Mount Average rating 3.82 Squad number 17 Player name Kovacic Average rating 3.71 Squad number 9 Player name Abraham Average rating 3.46 Squad number 11 Player name Werner Average rating 3.03 Squad number 29 Player name Havertz Average rating 2.90
Line-ups
Match Stats
Live Text Line-ups Wolves Formation 3-4-1-2 11 Rui Patrício 15 Boly 16 Coady 27 Saïss 22 Nélson Semedo 32 Dendoncker 8 Neves 5 Marçal 10 Podence 17 Fábio Silva 7 Neto 11 Rui Patrício
15 Boly
16 Coady
27 Saïss
22 Nélson Semedo Booked at 90mins
32 Dendoncker Substituted for Otasowie at 45' minutes
8 Neves
5 Marçal
10 Podence Booked at 77mins Substituted for Vitinha at 90' minutes
17 Fábio Silva Substituted for Traoré at 61' minutes
7 Neto Substitutes 2 Hoever
3 Aït-Nouri
20 Vitinha
21 Ruddy
37 Traoré
49 Kilman
54 Otasowie Chelsea Formation 4-3-3 16 Mendy 24 James 15 Zouma 6 Thiago Silva 21 Chilwell 29 Havertz 7 Kanté 19 Mount 11 Werner 18 Giroud 10 Pulisic 16 Mendy
24 James
15 Zouma
6 Thiago Silva
21 Chilwell
29 Havertz Substituted for Kovacic at 71' minutes
7 Kanté Booked at 85mins
19 Mount Booked at 60mins
11 Werner
18 Giroud Substituted for Abraham at 71' minutes
10 Pulisic Substitutes 1 Arrizabalaga
2 Rüdiger
5 Jorginho
9 Abraham
17 Kovacic
23 Gilmour
28 Azpilicueta Referee: Stuart Attwell Match Stats Live Text Post update Match ends, Wolverhampton Wanderers 2, Chelsea 1. Full Time Second Half ends, Wolverhampton Wanderers 2, Chelsea 1. Post update Attempt missed. Pedro Neto (Wolverhampton Wanderers) left footed shot from a difficult angle on the right is just a bit too high. Assisted by Owen Otasowie following a fast break. Post update Corner, Chelsea. Conceded by Nélson Semedo. Post update Attempt blocked. Timo Werner (Chelsea) right footed shot from the left side of the box is blocked. Assisted by Ben Chilwell with a cross. Post update Corner, Chelsea. Conceded by Nélson Semedo. goal Goal! Goal! Wolverhampton Wanderers 2, Chelsea 1. Pedro Neto (Wolverhampton Wanderers) left footed shot from the left side of the box to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Vitinha following a fast break. Booking Nélson Semedo (Wolverhampton Wanderers) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul. Post update Christian Pulisic (Chelsea) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Post update Foul by Nélson Semedo (Wolverhampton Wanderers). Substitution Substitution, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Vitinha replaces Daniel Podence. Post update Christian Pulisic (Chelsea) wins a free kick in the attacking half. Post update Foul by Conor Coady (Wolverhampton Wanderers). Post update Foul by Timo Werner (Chelsea). Post update Pedro Neto (Wolverhampton Wanderers) wins a free kick on the right wing. Post update Mateo Kovacic (Chelsea) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Post update Foul by Rúben Neves (Wolverhampton Wanderers). Booking N'Golo Kanté (Chelsea) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul. Post update Foul by N'Golo Kanté (Chelsea). Post update Pedro Neto (Wolverhampton Wanderers) wins a free kick on the right wing. Page 1 of 6 rewind previous Navigate to the next page next Navigate to the last page forward


bbc--2020-12-15--Mourinho questions Liverpool's injury concerns

Last updated on .From the section Premier League Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho has questioned Liverpool 's injury concerns before Wednesday 's trip to Anfield in the Premier League ( 20:00 GMT ) .
The Portuguese said the Reds ' only `` big injury '' is Virgil Van Dijk , with no timeframe on the defender 's return following his knee ligament surgery .
`` Every club has injuries now and again .
Liverpool has a big injury , which is Van Dijk , '' said Mourinho .
`` Injuries are normal .
James Milner is injured , [ Erik ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Van Dijk and Milner , Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is set to be without Joe Gomez , Diogo Jota , Kostas Tsimikas , Thiago Alcantara and Xherdan Shaqiri against Spurs while Naby Keita and Joel Matip are doubts .
Mourinho added : `` I think Alisson is not injured .
[ Trent ] Alexander-Arnold is not injured .
Matip , I believe that he 's going to play .
Fabinho is not injured .
[ Andrew ] Robertson is not injured .
[ Jordan ] Henderson is not injured .
[ Georginio @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mohamed ] Salah is not injured , [ Roberto ] Firmino is not injured , [ Sadio ] Mane is not injured .
`` Van Dijk is injured and Van Dijk is a very good player of course .
But give me Liverpool 's list of injuries and compare that list with what is the best Liverpool team .
`` I can give you a list of 10 injuries at Tottenham .
We have two kids of the Under-16s with injuries , we have two others in the Under-21s and two in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Japhet ] Tanganga .
And here is a list of 10 players .
`` But is [ Hugo ] Lloris injured ?
No .
[ Toby ] Alderweireld injured ?
No .
[ Eric ] Dier injured ?
No .
[ Sergio ] Reguilon injured no ?
Harry Kane injured ?
No .
Son [ Heung-min ] injured ?
No .
Lucas [ Moura ] injured ?
No .
So where are the injuries ? ''
Meanwhile , Klopp says he is very impressed with how Mourinho has turned league leaders Tottenham into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The way they play this year is really good , '' said the German .
`` Counter-attack is not their only strategy ; they are a proper footballing side . ''
Former Chelsea and Real Madrid boss Mourinho has been in charge of Spurs for little more than a year after replacing Argentine Mauricio Pochettino .
It is the Portuguese manager 's first job since being sacked by Manchester United in December 2018 .
Spurs had slipped to 14th in the Premier League when he took over and were without a win in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lift them to sixth place by the end of the coronavirus-delayed season , enjoying even greater success so far this campaign , with Spurs losing just once in the league .
`` Mourinho showed obviously some comeback skills , if it was that .
Very impressive , what he has done at Tottenham , '' Klopp said .
`` He has turned them into a results machine . ''
In response to Klopp 's comments , Mourinho said results had been `` very positive '' but added it was `` too early '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terms .
`` The period of good results is a few months ; a results machine is much more than that , '' said Mourinho .
`` A results machine is what Liverpool have been for a couple of years .
A results machine is what my Chelsea team was when we won two consecutive titles ( in 2005 and 2006 ) .
`` We are a good team that works hard but Liverpool is the result of 1,894 days - if I 'm not wrong - with Jurgen .
We are a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these 390 days are fake because lots of these days were not of work , they were of quarantine .
`` So for us to compete at the level we are doing , I can only give credit to the players and be very happy with what they are doing . ''
Spurs have the best defensive record in the English top flight this season , having conceded the fewest goals ( 10 ) and earned the joint-highest number of clean sheets ( five ) .
Their attacking threat has also caught the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Son Heung-min linking up very effectively .
Between them , the Spurs pair have scored 19 goals and provided 14 assists in the Premier League this season .
`` You can not be top of the league with only counter-attacking , '' said Klopp .
`` Unfortunately , if we keep them ( Son and Kane ) quiet , they still have a lot of really good players with threats from a lot of areas on the pitch .
`` Steven Bergwijn plays an important role in counter-attacking moments .
Tanguy Ndombele needed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but he 's now 100 % there .
`` Giovani lo Celso , Moussa Sissoko , Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is a proper unit in midfield .
It works well together .
And Gareth Bale [ when he is ] fit again is another threat . ''
• None Want all the goals and talking points from Sunday 's Premier League games ?

Last updated on .From the section Premier League
'We all have injuries' - Mourinho questions Liverpool's injuries before Anfield trip
Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho has questioned Liverpool's injury concerns before Wednesday's trip to Anfield in the Premier League (20:00 GMT).
Spurs are top of the table, above the defending champions on goal difference.
The Portuguese said the Reds' only "big injury" is Virgil Van Dijk, with no timeframe on the defender's return following his knee ligament surgery.
"Every club has injuries now and again. Liverpool has a big injury, which is Van Dijk," said Mourinho.
"Injuries are normal. James Milner is injured, [Erik] Lamela is injured."
As well as Van Dijk and Milner, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is set to be without Joe Gomez, Diogo Jota, Kostas Tsimikas, Thiago Alcantara and Xherdan Shaqiri against Spurs while Naby Keita and Joel Matip are doubts.
Mourinho added: "I think Alisson is not injured. [Trent] Alexander-Arnold is not injured. Matip, I believe that he's going to play. Fabinho is not injured. [Andrew] Robertson is not injured. [Jordan] Henderson is not injured. [Georginio] Wijnaldum is not injured. [Mohamed] Salah is not injured, [Roberto] Firmino is not injured, [Sadio] Mane is not injured.
"Van Dijk is injured and Van Dijk is a very good player of course. But give me Liverpool's list of injuries and compare that list with what is the best Liverpool team.
"I can give you a list of 10 injuries at Tottenham. We have two kids of the Under-16s with injuries, we have two others in the Under-21s and two in the Under-23s, we have Lamela and [Japhet] Tanganga. And here is a list of 10 players.
"But is [Hugo] Lloris injured? No. [Toby] Alderweireld injured? No. [Eric] Dier injured? No. [Sergio] Reguilon injured no? Harry Kane injured? No. Son [Heung-min] injured? No. Lucas [Moura] injured? No. So where are the injuries?"
'Spurs a results machine under Mourinho'
Meanwhile, Klopp says he is very impressed with how Mourinho has turned league leaders Tottenham into a "results machine".
"The way they play this year is really good," said the German. "Counter-attack is not their only strategy; they are a proper footballing side."
Former Chelsea and Real Madrid boss Mourinho has been in charge of Spurs for little more than a year after replacing Argentine Mauricio Pochettino.
It is the Portuguese manager's first job since being sacked by Manchester United in December 2018.
Spurs had slipped to 14th in the Premier League when he took over and were without a win in their previous five games.
Mourinho helped lift them to sixth place by the end of the coronavirus-delayed season, enjoying even greater success so far this campaign, with Spurs losing just once in the league.
"Mourinho showed obviously some comeback skills, if it was that. Very impressive, what he has done at Tottenham," Klopp said.
"He has turned them into a results machine."
In response to Klopp's comments, Mourinho said results had been "very positive" but added it was "too early" to talk about his side in such terms.
"The period of good results is a few months; a results machine is much more than that," said Mourinho.
"A results machine is what Liverpool have been for a couple of years. A results machine is what my Chelsea team was when we won two consecutive titles (in 2005 and 2006).
"We are a good team that works hard but Liverpool is the result of 1,894 days - if I'm not wrong - with Jurgen. We are a result of 390 days.
"But these 390 days are fake because lots of these days were not of work, they were of quarantine.
"So for us to compete at the level we are doing, I can only give credit to the players and be very happy with what they are doing."
Spurs have the best defensive record in the English top flight this season, having conceded the fewest goals (10) and earned the joint-highest number of clean sheets (five).
Their attacking threat has also caught the eye, with forwards Harry Kane and Son Heung-min linking up very effectively.
Between them, the Spurs pair have scored 19 goals and provided 14 assists in the Premier League this season.
"You cannot be top of the league with only counter-attacking," said Klopp.
"Unfortunately, if we keep them (Son and Kane) quiet, they still have a lot of really good players with threats from a lot of areas on the pitch.
"Steven Bergwijn plays an important role in counter-attacking moments. Tanguy Ndombele needed a bit longer to settle at Tottenham, but he's now 100% there.
"Giovani lo Celso, Moussa Sissoko, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is a proper unit in midfield. It works well together. And Gareth Bale [when he is] fit again is another threat."


bbc--2020-12-16--Brexit: 'Narrow path' in view for trade deal - EU chief

`` In all honesty , it sometimes feels that we will not be able to resolve this question , '' @ @ @ @ @ that continuing the talks was the `` only responsible '' course of action .

"All that it takes is for them to understand that the UK has a natural right, like every other country, to be able to want to control its own laws and its own fishing grounds."


bbc--2020-12-16--MacKenzie Scott gives away $4.2bn in four months

`` This pandemic has been a wrecking ball in the lives of Americans already struggling , '' she wrote in @ @ @ @ @ , adding that she had picked more than 380 charities to donate to having considered @ @ @ @

Among the most generous was Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey who announced in April that he was moving $1bn of his assets into a fund to support pandemic relief efforts and other causes. This represents about a quarter of his $3.9bn net worth.


bbc--2020-12-16--Paris mayor mocks 'absurd' fine for hiring too many women

The 2013 rule meant no more than 60 % of new appointments to management positions in public service should go @ @ @ @ @ Hidalgo 's recruitment drive saw 69 % of the jobs go to women .

The 2013 rule meant no more than 60% of new appointments to management positions in public service should go to one sex. Ms Hidalgo's recruitment drive saw 69% of the jobs go to women.


bbc--2020-12-16--Covid-19: Europeans urged to wear masks for family Christmas

`` Vulnerable people and older friends or relatives may find it very difficult to ask loved ones to stay away @ @ @ @ @ anxieties or concerns they may have .
Consider what others may be feeling and the @ @ @ @ @ facing . ''

"Vulnerable people and older friends or relatives may find it very difficult to ask loved ones to stay away physically, regardless of the anxieties or concerns they may have. Consider what others may be feeling and the difficult decisions they will be facing."


bbc--2020-12-16--Tom Cruise: Recording emerges of star 'shouting at film crew' over Covid

US radio host John Rocha also voiced his support , writing : `` I wish MORE people in charge would @ @ @ @ @ who violate protocols or not wearing masks .
If only more people saw the bigger @ @ @ @ @ here . ''

US radio host John Rocha also voiced his support, writing: "I wish MORE people in charge would react like this to people who violate protocols or not wearing masks. If only more people saw the bigger picture that Tom is highlighting here."


bbc--2020-12-16--Gay conversion therapy: Hundreds of religious leaders call for ban

`` This is a really dangerous practice .
There are countless testimonies from survivors , but sadly not as many @ @ @ @ @ because people have died of suicide .

They added: "If the government do finally ban conversion therapy, they need to be clear on what it means, because it could do more harm than good. Especially for trans healthcare."


bbc--2020-12-16--Coronavirus creates boom in digital fitness

Co-founder Michael Horvath said : `` During a challenging year , it has been a privilege to connect athletes to @ @ @ @ @ them find their personal best - from solitary virtual marathons to midday walks while working @ @ @

Co-founder Michael Horvath said: "During a challenging year, it has been a privilege to connect athletes to what motivates them and help them find their personal best - from solitary virtual marathons to midday walks while working from home.


bbc--2020-12-16--Struggling Air India could be taken over by workers

Interups , which specialises in turning companies around , says it has also targeted another Indian airline , and if @ @ @ @ @ with Air India .
They have not specified which airline that could be .

Interups, which specialises in turning companies around, says it has also targeted another Indian airline, and if successful, will merge it with Air India. They have not specified which airline that could be.


bbc--2020-12-16--Covid-19: Singapore migrant workers infections were three times higher

`` But this is history , '' Mr Au said .
`` We 're more concerned that Singapore continues to @ @ @ @ @ even though the same statement by the ministry says that 'since October , no new @ @ @ @ @ dormitories on many days ' . ''

"But this is history," Mr Au said. "We're more concerned that Singapore continues to treat the workers as prisoners even though the same statement by the ministry says that 'since October, no new cases were detected in the dormitories on many days'."


bbc--2020-12-16--Peru: Police conduct drugs raid dressed as Santa Claus and elf

A police drugs-squad in Peru have raided a house dressed as Santa Claus and an elf , detaining a suspected @ @ @ @ @ spokesman said the man was accused of selling drugs outside his house , near a @ @ @ @ @ flak jackets under their costumes , arrived in an undercover van before breaking into the @ @ @ @ @ bag that appeared to contain drugs , balaclavas and a gun .
The country 's @ @ @ @ @ raids for some time and say the method is an effective tactic .
They have @ @ @ @ @ as homeless people and street sweepers in the past .

A police drugs-squad in Peru have raided a house dressed as Santa Claus and an elf, detaining a suspected drug dealer.
A police spokesman said the man was accused of selling drugs outside his house, near a school.
Officers, wearing flak jackets under their costumes, arrived in an undercover van before breaking into the house where they discovered a bag that appeared to contain drugs, balaclavas and a gun.
The country's police have used disguises during raids for some time and say the method is an effective tactic.
They have been known to dress up as homeless people and street sweepers in the past.


bbc--2020-12-16--British actress Naomi Ackie to play Whitney Houston in film biopic

I Wan na Dance With Somebody will follow the life and times of Houston , and comes hot on the @ @ @ @ @ films such as Bohemian Rhapsody and Rocketman , which was based on the life and @ @ @ @ @ .

I Wanna Dance With Somebody will follow the life and times of Houston, and comes hot on the heels of the success of films such as Bohemian Rhapsody and Rocketman, which was based on the life and music of Sir Elton John.


bbc--2020-12-16--Bird of prey rescued from indoor Christmas tree perch

The force said on social media : `` This lovely lady allowed herself in to a house in Ellon through @ @ @ @ @ to be rescued from the top of the Christmas tree .

The force said on social media: "This lovely lady allowed herself in to a house in Ellon through an open door and had to be rescued from the top of the Christmas tree.


bbc--2020-12-16--Sudan's Darfur conflict: Why Abdullah has never seen his 'home'

Under the peace agreement a land commission is also being set up to help people whose land has been taken @ @ @ @ @ camps , as well as also looking into the rights of nomadic herders .

Under the peace agreement a land commission is also being set up to help people whose land has been taken while they have been in camps, as well as also looking into the rights of nomadic herders.


bbc--2020-12-16--Abhishek Bachchan: A Bollywood actor's romance with kabaddi

`` We were trying to show the new glamour that has been brought to the sport but also celebrates the @ @ @ @ @ sport that make it so desi [ indigenous. ]
.
We have really tried to @ @ @ @ @ and attractive to more and more people in and outside India , '' Gale told @ @ @

"We were trying to show the new glamour that has been brought to the sport but also celebrates the heritage and roots of the sport that make it so desi [indigenous.]. We have really tried to capture what makes kabaddi unique and attractive to more and more people in and outside India," Gale told the BBC.


bbc--2020-12-16--SolarWinds: Why the Sunburst hack is so serious

`` There is also the personal dimension .
We saw that when the Office of Personnel Management was hacked in @ @ @ @ @ details of many government employees were potentially accessed .
These details are reserved for those @ @ @ @ @ and are incredibly sensitive . ''

"There is also the personal dimension. We saw that when the Office of Personnel Management was hacked in the US, the private details of many government employees were potentially accessed. These details are reserved for those who have undergone security vetting and are incredibly sensitive."


bbc--2020-12-16--Bilic sacked by West Brom after 18 months in charge

Last updated on .From the section West Brom West Brom manager Slaven Bilic has been sacked after 18 months in charge , with the club 19th in the Premier League .
Assistant coaches Dean Racunica and Danilo Butorovic also depart , as does first-team coach Julian Dicks .
A club statement thanked Bilic and his coaching staff `` for their efforts in achieving promotion last season '' .
Bilic , 52 , signed a two-year contract when he took over at the The Hawthorns in June 2019 , replacing Darren Moore .
He guided Albion to promotion on the final @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finished second in the Championship .
But they have won only one Premier League match this season , beating bottom club Sheffield United 1-0 on 28 November .
It emerged after the draw at Manchester City that West Brom were considering whether to sack Bilic .
Tuesday 's match was the Croat 's 100th Premier League game as a manager .
He led West Ham from June 2015 to November 2017 , taking the club into a Europe as they finished seventh in his final full season , recording their highest placing since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had led Croatia to two European Championships , with a quarter-final appearance in 2008 coming after they had knocked England out in the qualifiers .
He has also had spells in charge of Hajduk Split , Lokomotiv Moscow , Besiktas and Al-Ittihad .
Sam Allardyce , Nigel Pearson , Mark Hughes and Eddie Howe are all reportedly candidates to replace Bilic .
Allardyce has been out of work since leaving Everton in the summer of 2018 , while Hughes left Southampton later the same year .
Pearson , who is a former Albion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Watford last term , while Howe left Bournemouth in August after his side were relegated from the Premier League .
Slaven Bilic and his staff were informed of the news this morning in a face-to-face meeting .
It is understood that the discussion was amicable but after collecting seven points from 13 games , the club had no confidence that the situation could be turned around in the short term to allow them to preserve their Premier League status .
The club regard the way the news leaked out on Tuesday night as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was intended to be communicated .

Last updated on .From the section West Brom
Slaven Bilic was appointed West Brom manager in June 2019
West Brom manager Slaven Bilic has been sacked after 18 months in charge, with the club 19th in the Premier League.
The Baggies have gathered seven points from 13 league games, with eight defeats, though they earned a surprise 1-1 draw at Manchester City on Tuesday.
Assistant coaches Dean Racunica and Danilo Butorovic also depart, as does first-team coach Julian Dicks.
A club statement thanked Bilic and his coaching staff "for their efforts in achieving promotion last season".
Bilic, 52, signed a two-year contract when he took over at the The Hawthorns in June 2019, replacing Darren Moore.
He guided Albion to promotion on the final day of last season, as they finished second in the Championship.
But they have won only one Premier League match this season, beating bottom club Sheffield United 1-0 on 28 November.
It emerged after the draw at Manchester City that West Brom were considering whether to sack Bilic.
Tuesday's match was the Croat's 100th Premier League game as a manager. He led West Ham from June 2015 to November 2017, taking the club into Europe as they finished seventh in his final full season, recording their highest placing since 2002.
Prior to that, he had led Croatia to two European Championships, with a quarter-final appearance in 2008 coming after they had knocked England out in the qualifiers.
He has also had spells in charge of Hajduk Split, Lokomotiv Moscow, Besiktas and Al-Ittihad.
Bilic's managerial record at club level (all competitions) Club Played Won Drawn Lost Win ratio Hajduk Split (2001-02) 17 11 4 2 65% Lokomotiv Moscow (2012-13) 32 13 7 12 41% Besiktas (2013-2015) 92 48 22 22 52% West Ham (2015-17) 111 42 30 39 38% Al-Ittihad (2018-19) 17 3 5 9 18% West Brom (2019-20) 65 26 22 17 40%
Sam Allardyce, Nigel Pearson, Mark Hughes and Eddie Howe are all reportedly external-link candidates to replace Bilic.
Allardyce has been out of work since leaving Everton in the summer of 2018, while Hughes left Southampton later the same year.
Pearson, who is a former Albion caretaker-manager, had a 20-game spell at Watford last term, while Howe left Bournemouth in August after his side were relegated from the Premier League.
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said he was "very sad" to hear of Bilic's sacking.
"I think he's done great for them, getting promotion," Solskjaer said. "I'm sure he'll get a job again when he wants to.
"Hopefully more and more clubs and teams think long term. Of course it's a short-term business, we need results short-term as well, but everyone knows that continuity is key to success.
"Sometimes they don't have the patience for it, though."
Bilic speaks after Tuesday's 1-1 draw at Manchester City
Analysis
BBC Sport's Simon Stone
Although West Brom were promoted back to the Premier League in Slaven Bilic's single full season in charge, uncertainty around the manager was triggered by a run of three wins in 11 matches, which started at the end of February, just before lockdown.
That uncertainty increased during the close season, when issues arose over player recruitment, and again when the sale of defender Ahmed Hegazi was sanctioned by the club's board in October - with the manager saying explicitly that he did not want the player to leave.
With results remaining poor, a decision was taken after Saturday's defeat at Newcastle, so the draw at Manchester City had no impact on the situation.
Bilic and his staff were informed of the news early on Wednesday in a face-to-face meeting. It is understood that the discussion was amicable but after collecting seven points from 13 games, the club had no confidence that the situation could be turned around in the short term to allow them to preserve their Premier League status.
The club regard the way the news leaked out on Tuesday night as unfortunate; it was not the way it was intended to be communicated.


bbc--2020-12-16--India captain Kohli promises 'high voltage' series against Australia

India captain Virat Kohli has promised `` high voltage '' action in the four-Test series against Australia , which gets under way in Adelaide on Thursday .
Both sides are without some key players because of injury .
Before the day-night Test , Kohli said : `` It is definitely going to be as competitive as it has always been . ''
Warner misses the first Test with an adductor injury , while India are awaiting the arrival of batsman Rohit Sharma .
Fast bowler Ishant Sharma has been ruled out of the whole tour .
India 's win two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Australia , was occasionally a bad-tempered contest .
`` It 's going to be high-voltage cricket because we have quality players on both sides and they are all hungry and eager to perform , '' added Kohli , who will only play in the first Test before returning home for the birth of his first child .
`` There 's going to be tension , there 's going to be stress , there 's going to be emotions flaring every now and then , but I do n't foresee anything getting personal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the International Cricket Council Test Championship , with Australia second .
Both sides can make big progress towards securing their place in the final , which is in England next summer .
In the limited-overs matches before the Tests , Australia won the one-day series 2-1 , while India took the T20s by the same scoreline .
Australia 's preparations have not only been hit by the injury to Warner , but also a concussion suffered by uncapped Will Pucovski , who would have been in line to fill the vacancy at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wade now looks set to partner Joe Burns in opening the batting , but there was a further concern when number-one ranked Test batsman Steve Smith failed to net on Tuesday because of a back problem .
`` His preparation has been very good , '' said home captain Tim Paine .
`` He 's batted for the last week since we 've been in Adelaide .
So for him to have a day off might actually be a blessing in disguise .
`` Whether he 's fit and sore in the back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think he normally gets up , gets through it and finds a way to score runs like he always does . ''
Australia are set to give a debut to 21-year-old all-rounder Cameron Green , who himself has recovered from a concussion .
Much excitement surrounds Green , who averages 55 with the bat and 21 with the ball in first-class cricket , often bowling at high pace .
`` We know that when he does bowl he 'll make an impact , that 's what we have seen from him and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do again , '' said Paine .
India take step into the unknown India have only played a day-night Test once before , a home defeat of Bangladesh , and face a huge task against an Australia team that have won all seven of their day-nighters , five of which have been in Adelaide .
Not only that , but they do so knowing this will be their only Test with talismanic skipper Kohli in charge .
They will also be without Rohit , who has been suffering with a hamstring injury , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but he could be available for the matches in Sydney and Brisbane .
With Rohit unavailable , Prithvi Shaw has been chosen to open the batting with Mayank Agarwal , while the experienced Wriddhiman Saha has been given the nod to keep wicket ahead of Rishabh Pant .
R Ashwin is chosen ahead of Ravindra Jadeja to fill the spinner 's berth , while Umesh Yadav joins Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Shami in the three-man pace attack .
`` A pink-ball Test is probably going to be a bit more challenging in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moves around in the evening , '' said Kohli .
`` For us , it 's about being able to adapt to different conditions .
You can take inspiration from the past but I do n't think that guarantees anything and we have to stay in the present . ''
• None A mega mixtape of the very best indie floorfillers • None Former England cricketer on his desire to coach at the highest level

Virat Kohli will only play in the first of the four Tests in order to be at the birth of his first child
Australia v India, first Test Venue: Adelaide Date: 17-21 December Start: 04:00 GMT (day-night) Coverage: Live commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra, BBC Sport website and BBC Sounds app
India captain Virat Kohli has promised "high voltage" action in the four-Test series against Australia, which gets under way in Adelaide on Thursday.
The hosts are looking to avenge a 2-1 defeat on home soil two years ago, when they were missing Steve Smith and David Warner after the ball-tampering affair.
Both sides are without some key players because of injury.
Before the day-night Test, Kohli said: "It is definitely going to be as competitive as it has always been."
Warner misses the first Test with an adductor injury, while India are awaiting the arrival of batsman Rohit Sharma. Fast bowler Ishant Sharma has been ruled out of the whole tour.
India's win two years ago, their first series success in Australia, was occasionally a bad-tempered contest.
"It's going to be high-voltage cricket because we have quality players on both sides and they are all hungry and eager to perform," added Kohli, who will only play in the first Test before returning home for the birth of his first child.
"There's going to be tension, there's going to be stress, there's going to be emotions flaring every now and then, but I don't foresee anything getting personal anymore."
Australia are currently top of the International Cricket Council Test Championship, with India second. Both sides can make big progress towards securing their place in the final, which is in England next summer.
In the limited-overs matches before the Tests, Australia won the one-day series 2-1, while India took the T20s by the same scoreline.
Paine plays down Smith concerns
Steve Smith trained on Wednesday after sitting out on Tuesday
Australia's preparations have not only been hit by the injury to Warner, but also a concussion suffered by uncapped Will Pucovski, who would have been in line to fill the vacancy at the top of the order.
Matthew Wade now looks set to partner Joe Burns in opening the batting, but there was a further concern when number-one ranked Test batsman Steve Smith failed to net on Tuesday because of a back problem.
"His preparation has been very good," said home captain Tim Paine. "He's batted for the last week since we've been in Adelaide. So for him to have a day off might actually be a blessing in disguise.
"Whether he's fit and sore in the back, or stiff in the back, I think he normally gets up, gets through it and finds a way to score runs like he always does."
Australia are set to give a debut to 21-year-old all-rounder Cameron Green, who himself has recovered from a concussion.
Much excitement surrounds Green, who averages 55 with the bat and 21 with the ball in first-class cricket, often bowling at high pace.
"We know that when he does bowl he'll make an impact, that's what we have seen from him and that's what we expect him to do again," said Paine.
Cameron Green is set to become the 459th man to play Test cricket for Australia
India take step into the unknown
India have only played a day-night Test once before, a home defeat of Bangladesh, and face a huge task against an Australia team that have won all seven of their day-nighters, five of which have been in Adelaide.
Not only that, but they do so knowing this will be their only Test with talismanic skipper Kohli in charge.
They will also be without Rohit, who has been suffering with a hamstring injury, for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, but he could be available for the matches in Sydney and Brisbane.
With Rohit unavailable, Prithvi Shaw has been chosen to open the batting with Mayank Agarwal, while the experienced Wriddhiman Saha has been given the nod to keep wicket ahead of Rishabh Pant.
R Ashwin is chosen ahead of Ravindra Jadeja to fill the spinner's berth, while Umesh Yadav joins Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Shami in the three-man pace attack.
"A pink-ball Test is probably going to be a bit more challenging in terms of conditions and how the ball moves around in the evening," said Kohli.
"For us, it's about being able to adapt to different conditions. You can take inspiration from the past but I don't think that guarantees anything and we have to stay in the present."


bbc--2020-12-16--Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg: Is midfielder Spurs' most influential signing?

`` Beast mode . ''
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg 's tweet after Tottenham beat Manchester City last month is a fair assessment of his start to life at the north London club .
The Denmark international has played a key role in elevating Jose Mourinho 's side to the top of the Premier League table before they head to Anfield to face defending champions Liverpool on Wednesday .
Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy added seven players to their squad during the last transfer window , with the return of Gareth Bale , on loan from Real Madrid , grabbing the headlines , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Southampton that appears to have had the biggest impact .
The 25-year-old has played every minute of his side 's Premier League campaign so far this season , making more tackles , winning possession more times , making more passes and having more touches than any of his team-mates .
`` Physically he 's very , very strong and technically he 's much better than people think , '' said Mourinho last week , describing the midfielder as `` a captain without the armband '' .
`` Sometimes people think the guy that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does the backheel .
The guy that is good technically is the guy that does something wonderful .
But these are not my words .
These are words from coaches of 30 , 40 years ago .
`` Simplicity is genius .
And the guy is so simple in everything he does with the ball .
The future coach who is a 'pain ' ?
Mourinho made no secret of his desire to bring in a ball-winning midfield general last summer and in Hojbjerg he seems to have added exactly that , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defensive record in the division and have only conceded two goals in their past seven games , with Hojbjerg and midfielder partner Moussa Sissoko providing a vital screen for the back four - at times playing more like a back six .
`` He 's had a fantastic impact on the team , on and off the pitch , very professional , '' Eric Dier , who has occupied a place at centre-back since Hojbjerg 's arrival , told BBC Sport .
`` He 's a great example to follow off the pitch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so much quality with and without the ball .
`` He 's brought a lot of character and a lot of strength to that position .
The same goes for Moussa - the two of them do a fantastic job in making everyone else 's job easier . ''
Hojbjerg has made 35 tackles this season , the fifth-most of any Premier League player , and is among the six players to have won possession for their sides the most , doing so on 89 occasions .
`` Pierre is very intelligent - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he understands the game very well , '' added Mourinho .
`` He is going to be a coach one day , for sure .
He is a pain , always asking questions why we do this and that .
`` On the pitch he reads the situation very , very well and the people that surround him are really compact and they read the game . ''
It is perhaps unsurprising that a player mentored by Pep Guardiola as a teenager knows how to use the ball efficiently .
This is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , became the youngest player to feature for the German champions in the Bundesliga , aged 17 years and 251 days , and was handed further first-team opportunities by Guardiola during his three-year spell at the club .
In the book Pep Confidential , author Marti Perarnau says the now Manchester City boss `` fell in love '' with Hojbjerg after a couple of training sessions because he `` reads the game brilliantly and has an astonishing ability to break through five players with a single pass '' , adding that Guardiola felt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] Busquets of Bayern '' .
At Tottenham this season , Hojbjerg has been involved in nine sequences in open play that have led to his side scoring a goal - three more than any other player in the division - setting the platform for the likes of Harry Kane and Son Heung-min to flourish .
Hojbjerg has exerted his control over the midfield not just through his tackling and ball-winning , but by making more passes ( 870 ) than anyone in the Premier League bar Manchester City 's Rodri ( 901 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come in the opposition half - the sixth-most of any player - while the Tottenham man has enjoyed the third-most touches ( 1,027 ) this season in the English top flight .
Liverpool 's Andrew Robertson ( 1,187 ) and Leeds United defender Luke Ayling ( 1,105 ) are the only players to have had more .
Analysis by Carteret Analytics , who rate and value a player 's contribution to their team , says Hojbjerg is Spurs ' best midfielder in terms of controlling a game .
Their research indicates he is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from match-play transitions ( from defence to attack ) and is excellent at controlling the game to preserve an in-match position and increase the probability of an optimal match result '' .
They say these attributes are particularly effective in `` counter-attacking play and preserving a match-leading position '' .
Hojbjerg spent four seasons at Southampton , captaining the Saints before publicly revealing his desire to leave at the end of last season .
It is not the first time he has taken an unpopular route to forge what he believes is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Copenhagen for rivals Brondby as a 14-year-old , in part because he did not want to play as a striker , and moving to Germany three years later .
His transfer to Tottenham was met with scepticism by some Spurs fans because it saw academy product Kyle Walker-Peters heading in the other direction .
Former Premier League goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer says he is surprised at the huge influence the Dane has had .
`` Hojbjerg has definitely played a big part in Spurs ' transformation , '' he told BBC Radio 5 Live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the midfield and gives the back four more protection .
`` He covers his position in front of the back four well , he reads the game well .
He 's one of those players that I think you really understand what a difference he makes when he 's in your own team , when you play alongside him . ''
Hojbjerg 's role has evolved under Mourinho , creating fewer chances on average than in his time at St Mary 's - 0.4 per game compared to 0.9 - but increasing his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He has made 2.9 tackles per game for Spurs in the Premier League this season , compared to 2.5 on average with Southampton , while his average number of passes per game has risen from 60.7 to 72.5 and his passing accuracy from 82.71 % to 88.85 % .
`` We 're starting to get more of an insight into him now at Spurs , '' added Schwarzer .
`` At Southampton he went under the radar a bit so I 'm surprised how well he 's done this season . ''
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best indie floorfillers • None Former England cricketer on his desire to coach at the highest level

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg joined Tottenham from Southampton in August
"Beast mode." Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg's tweet after Tottenham beat Manchester City last month is a fair assessment of his start to life at the north London club.
The midfielder is already becoming something of a cult hero at Spurs for his all-action, blood-and-guts displays and tendency to celebrate tackles like a match-winning goal.
The Denmark international has played a key role in elevating Jose Mourinho's side to the top of the Premier League table before they head to Anfield to face defending champions Liverpool on Wednesday.
Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy added seven players to their squad during the last transfer window, with the return of Gareth Bale, on loan from Real Madrid, grabbing the headlines, but it is Hojbjerg's low-key arrival from Southampton that appears to have had the biggest impact.
The 25-year-old has played every minute of his side's Premier League campaign so far this season, making more tackles, winning possession more times, making more passes and having more touches than any of his team-mates.
"Physically he's very, very strong and technically he's much better than people think," said Mourinho last week, describing the midfielder as "a captain without the armband".
"Sometimes people think the guy that is good technically is the guy that does the backheel. The guy that is good technically is the guy that does something wonderful. But these are not my words. These are words from coaches of 30, 40 years ago.
"Simplicity is genius. And the guy is so simple in everything he does with the ball.
'He's a phenomenal player. Congratulations, Mr Levy."
The future coach who is a 'pain'?
Mourinho made no secret of his desire to bring in a ball-winning midfield general last summer and in Hojbjerg he seems to have added exactly that, and much more.
Tottenham have the best defensive record in the division and have only conceded two goals in their past seven games, with Hojbjerg and midfielder partner Moussa Sissoko providing a vital screen for the back four - at times playing more like a back six.
"He's had a fantastic impact on the team, on and off the pitch, very professional," Eric Dier, who has occupied a place at centre-back since Hojbjerg's arrival, told BBC Sport.
"He's a great example to follow off the pitch and on the pitch, he has so much quality with and without the ball.
"He's brought a lot of character and a lot of strength to that position. The same goes for Moussa - the two of them do a fantastic job in making everyone else's job easier."
Hojbjerg is among the players to have made the most tackles in the Premier League following gameweek 12
Hojbjerg has made 35 tackles this season, the fifth-most of any Premier League player, and is among the six players to have won possession for their sides the most, doing so on 89 occasions.
"Pierre is very intelligent - he reads the game very well, he understands the game very well," added Mourinho. "He is going to be a coach one day, for sure. He is a pain, always asking questions why we do this and that.
"On the pitch he reads the situation very, very well and the people that surround him are really compact and they read the game."
Hojbjerg the architect?
It is perhaps unsurprising that a player mentored by Pep Guardiola as a teenager knows how to use the ball efficiently.
This is a midfielder who joined Bayern Munich at 16, became the youngest player to feature for the German champions in the Bundesliga, aged 17 years and 251 days, and was handed further first-team opportunities by Guardiola during his three-year spell at the club.
In the book Pep Confidential, author Marti Perarnau says the now Manchester City boss "fell in love" with Hojbjerg after a couple of training sessions because he "reads the game brilliantly and has an astonishing ability to break through five players with a single pass", adding that Guardiola felt he had found the "[Sergio] Busquets of Bayern".
At Tottenham this season, Hojbjerg has been involved in nine sequences in open play that have led to his side scoring a goal - three more than any other player in the division - setting the platform for the likes of Harry Kane and Son Heung-min to flourish.
Hojbjerg has exerted his control over the midfield not just through his tackling and ball-winning, but by making more passes (870) than anyone in the Premier League bar Manchester City's Rodri (901).
Some 443 of those have come in the opposition half - the sixth-most of any player - while the Tottenham man has enjoyed the third-most touches (1,027) this season in the English top flight. Liverpool's Andrew Robertson (1,187) and Leeds United defender Luke Ayling (1,105) are the only players to have had more.
Analysis by Carteret Analytics, who rate and value a player's contribution to their team, says Hojbjerg is Spurs' best midfielder in terms of controlling a game.
Their research indicates he is "particularly effective at creating positive outcomes from match-play transitions (from defence to attack) and is excellent at controlling the game to preserve an in-match position and increase the probability of an optimal match result".
They say these attributes are particularly effective in "counter-attacking play and preserving a match-leading position".
'A big part in Spurs' transformation'
Hojbjerg spent four seasons at Southampton, captaining the Saints before publicly revealing his desire to leave at the end of last season.
It is not the first time he has taken an unpopular route to forge what he believes is the best path for his career - leaving Copenhagen for rivals Brondby as a 14-year-old, in part because he did not want to play as a striker, and moving to Germany three years later.
His transfer to Tottenham was met with scepticism by some Spurs fans because it saw academy product Kyle Walker-Peters heading in the other direction.
Former Premier League goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer says he is surprised at the huge influence the Dane has had.
"Hojbjerg has definitely played a big part in Spurs' transformation," he told BBC Radio 5 Live. "He has a control in the midfield and gives the back four more protection.
"He covers his position in front of the back four well, he reads the game well. He's one of those players that I think you really understand what a difference he makes when he's in your own team, when you play alongside him."
Hojbjerg's role has evolved under Mourinho, creating fewer chances on average than in his time at St Mary's - 0.4 per game compared to 0.9 - but increasing his defensive influence and registering more passes.
He has made 2.9 tackles per game for Spurs in the Premier League this season, compared to 2.5 on average with Southampton, while his average number of passes per game has risen from 60.7 to 72.5 and his passing accuracy from 82.71% to 88.85%.
"We're starting to get more of an insight into him now at Spurs," added Schwarzer. "At Southampton he went under the radar a bit so I'm surprised how well he's done this season."


bbc--2020-12-15--Lampard says fatigue a factor as Wolves stun Chelsea in injury time

Last updated on .From the section Premier League Frank Lampard says his Chelsea players may be suffering from fatigue after Wolves came from behind to beat the Blues with an added-time winner .
Daniel Podence had equalised in the second half after Olivier Giroud put the Blues ahead .
The Portugal forward tiptoed through the Chelsea defence before wrong-footing goalkeeper Edouard Mendy with a shot that deflected in off Reece James .
It came after a fierce Giroud volley from Ben Chilwell 's cross crept through Rui Patricio 's gloves to open the scoring for the visitors .
Neto was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after referee Stuart Attwell reviewed his original decision on the pitch-side monitor and judged the Wolves forward was not fouled by James .
But the 20-year-old broke away in the 95th minute and fired a low strike into the far corner beyond Mendy to earn Wolves only their second win in six games .
It is a second successive defeat for Chelsea after they were beaten at Everton on Saturday , another game in which they could have gone top of the table .
`` There could be some fatigue , '' said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five games in December .
`` I hate to say it after a defeat because it feels like an excuse but even in the first 60 minutes when we were the better team , we did n't have a zip about us .
`` We 've travelled up to Everton , came back and then travelled to Wolves but everyone is in the same boat .
`` We have a couple of injuries in areas which means I ca n't make too many changes so I understand that side of it . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ have enough answers '' in that 1-0 defeat against the Toffees , with Tottenham also frustrating his side in a goalless draw at Stamford Bridge last month .
It was a similar story at Molineux as the Blues failed to have a shot on target in the opening 45 minutes , Kurt Zouma hitting the crossbar and Giroud heading over from a corner .
The visitors made amends immediately after the break as Giroud beat Willy Boly to Chilwell 's low ball to fizz a left-footed volley underneath Patricio .
It was the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many games in all competitions , but it was not enough to stop the Blues losing consecutive top-flight matches for the first time since December last year .
Lampard may have had reason to feel aggrieved at Wolves ' leveller , which followed a corner awarded to the hosts despite the ball having appeared to go out off Boly .
But Chelsea failed to create any serious chances after Giroud 's goal and were picked off on the break by the hosts ' pace and trickery in attack .
With Tottenham visiting Liverpool @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Chelsea to move briefly into top spot and apply pressure .
Instead , the Blues remain fifth and could lose ground on the top four with all the teams in the Champions League places still to play this week .
`` We had a couple of moments where the players are switching off and that cant happen , '' Lampard told BBC Radio 5 Live .
`` You can get your message on the pitch and do your messaging before the game , letting them know these are one of the biggest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and have pace and a threat against you , and the players have to deal with that .
`` We have some younger players , we have some new players to the league , they do need to understand that these games come and if we want to get where we want to get to , we have to see them through . ''
Wolves had failed to score in their previous two games after losing talismanic striker Raul Jimenez , who suffered a fractured skull against Arsenal .
The Mexican played in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Santo 's side last season , scoring 17 goals .
Against Chelsea the manager turned to 18-year-old club-record signing Fabio Silva in his search for goals .
Silva , who joined for £35m from Porto , did have the ball in the net but only after straying offside and generally found it a tough evening up against an experienced defender twice his age in Chelsea 's Thiago Silva .
Portuguese duo Podence and Neto produced the main goal threat for the hosts , who also sold Diogo Jota to Liverpool in the summer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attacking burden in Jimenez 's absence .
Wolves also looked solid at the back , with Nuno reverting to three central defenders after playing with a back four in their past four games .
The results lifts his side to 10th in the table .
'The boys believed the game was there' Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo to Amazon : `` We were always in the game .
We were well organised .
In the second half we played really good football .
`` In the first half the game was tight , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the boys believed the game was there to be competitive .
`` We were disappointed three days ago [ at losing late on to Aston Villa ] .
Football is until the last minute .
It can happen to any team .
`` It 's a strange season .
We miss our fans today .
There are too many voices around the referee and technical staff .
Too bad the fans are not here to celebrate with us . ''
• None Wolves have lost just one of their past six Premier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ losing consecutive home top-flight games since January 2019 .
• None Each of Wolves ' last 83 goals in the Premier League have been scored by non-British players - only Arsenal have had a longer such run in the competition ( 171 between October 2005-February 2008 ) .
• None No player has scored more goals for Chelsea in all competitions this season than Olivier Giroud ( eight , level with Timo Werner ) .
• None Giroud has scored six goals in his past four away games in all competitions , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in his previous 20 .
• None All four of Daniel Podence 's Premier League goals for Wolves have come against London clubs ( two v Crystal Palace , one v Arsenal and one v Chelsea ) .
Wolves visit Burnley on Monday in the 17:30 GMT kick-off , while Chelsea host West Ham later that evening ( 20:00 ) .
• None Want all the goals and talking points from Sunday 's Premier League games ?

Last updated on .From the section Premier League
'This group has things to learn' - Lampard reflects on Chelsea's defeat by Wolves
Frank Lampard says his Chelsea players may be suffering from fatigue after Wolves came from behind to beat the Blues with an added-time winner.
Pedro Neto's 95th-minute strike gave the hosts a dramatic victory at Molineux and stopped Lampard's side going top of the Premier League.
Daniel Podence had equalised in the second half after Olivier Giroud put the Blues ahead.
The Portugal forward tiptoed through the Chelsea defence before wrong-footing goalkeeper Edouard Mendy with a shot that deflected in off Reece James.
It came after a fierce Giroud volley from Ben Chilwell's cross crept through Rui Patricio's gloves to open the scoring for the visitors.
Neto was denied a late penalty for the hosts after referee Stuart Attwell reviewed his original decision on the pitch-side monitor and judged the Wolves forward was not fouled by James.
But the 20-year-old broke away in the 95th minute and fired a low strike into the far corner beyond Mendy to earn Wolves only their second win in six games.
It is a second successive defeat for Chelsea after they were beaten at Everton on Saturday, another game in which they could have gone top of the table.
"There could be some fatigue," said Lampard, whose side have already played five games in December.
"I hate to say it after a defeat because it feels like an excuse but even in the first 60 minutes when we were the better team, we didn't have a zip about us.
"We've travelled up to Everton, came back and then travelled to Wolves but everyone is in the same boat.
"We have a couple of injuries in areas which means I can't make too many changes so I understand that side of it."
Blues' title charge stuttering?
Olivier Giroud opened the scoring in the 49th minute with Chelsea's first shot on target
Lampard said his side did not "have enough answers" in that 1-0 defeat against the Toffees, with Tottenham also frustrating his side in a goalless draw at Stamford Bridge last month.
It was a similar story at Molineux as the Blues failed to have a shot on target in the opening 45 minutes, Kurt Zouma hitting the crossbar and Giroud heading over from a corner.
The visitors made amends immediately after the break as Giroud beat Willy Boly to Chilwell's low ball to fizz a left-footed volley underneath Patricio.
It was the in-form Frenchman's seventh goal in as many games in all competitions, but it was not enough to stop the Blues losing consecutive top-flight matches for the first time since December last year.
Lampard may have had reason to feel aggrieved at Wolves' leveller, which followed a corner awarded to the hosts despite the ball having appeared to go out off Boly.
But Chelsea failed to create any serious chances after Giroud's goal and were picked off on the break by the hosts' pace and trickery in attack.
With Tottenham visiting Liverpool on Wednesday, this was a chance for Chelsea to move briefly into top spot and apply pressure.
Instead, the Blues remain fifth and could lose ground on the top four with all the teams in the Champions League places still to play this week.
"We had a couple of moments where the players are switching off and that cant happen," Lampard told BBC Radio 5 Live.
"You can get your message on the pitch and do your messaging before the game, letting them know these are one of the biggest counter-attacking teams in the Premier League, and have pace and a threat against you, and the players have to deal with that.
"We have some younger players, we have some new players to the league, they do need to understand that these games come and if we want to get where we want to get to, we have to see them through."
Wolves find goalscoring solution
Wolves had failed to score in their previous two games after losing talismanic striker Raul Jimenez, who suffered a fractured skull against Arsenal.
The Mexican played in every Premier League match for Nuno Espirito Santo's side last season, scoring 17 goals.
Against Chelsea the manager turned to 18-year-old club-record signing Fabio Silva in his search for goals.
Silva, who joined for £35m from Porto, did have the ball in the net but only after straying offside and generally found it a tough evening up against an experienced defender twice his age in Chelsea's Thiago Silva.
Portuguese duo Podence and Neto produced the main goal threat for the hosts, who also sold Diogo Jota to Liverpool in the summer, and looked capable of shouldering the attacking burden in Jimenez's absence.
Wolves also looked solid at the back, with Nuno reverting to three central defenders after playing with a back four in their past four games.
The results lifts his side to 10th in the table.
'The boys believed the game was there'
Nuno Espirito Santo emphasises the importance of finding 'more solutions' in front of goal
Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo to Amazon: "We were always in the game. We were well organised. In the second half we played really good football.
"In the first half the game was tight, Chelsea had the ball. Second half, the boys believed the game was there to be competitive.
"We were disappointed three days ago [at losing late on to Aston Villa]. Football is until the last minute. It can happen to any team.
"It's a strange season. We miss our fans today. There are too many voices around the referee and technical staff. Too bad the fans are not here to celebrate with us."
Giroud continues prolific form - the stats
Wolves have lost just one of their past six Premier League home games and have now avoided losing consecutive home top-flight games since January 2019.
Each of Wolves' last 83 goals in the Premier League have been scored by non-British players - only Arsenal have had a longer such run in the competition (171 between October 2005-February 2008).
No player has scored more goals for Chelsea in all competitions this season than Olivier Giroud (eight, level with Timo Werner).
Giroud has scored six goals in his past four away games in all competitions, as many as he managed for the Blues in his previous 20.
All four of Daniel Podence's Premier League goals for Wolves have come against London clubs (two v Crystal Palace, one v Arsenal and one v Chelsea).
What's next?
Wolves visit Burnley on Monday in the 17:30 GMT kick-off, while Chelsea host West Ham later that evening (20:00).
Player of the match Daniel Podence Daniel Podence with an average of 8.43 Wolves Wolverhampton Wanderers Wolverhampton Wanderers
Chelsea Chelsea Chelsea Wolverhampton Wanderers Avg Squad number 10 Player name Daniel Podence Average rating 8.43 Squad number 7 Player name Pedro Neto Average rating 8.42 Squad number 16 Player name Coady Average rating 7.44 Squad number 8 Player name Rúben Neves Average rating 7.41 Squad number 27 Player name Saïss Average rating 7.38 Squad number 54 Player name Otasowie Average rating 7.36 Squad number 17 Player name Fábio Silva Average rating 7.20 Squad number 5 Player name Marçal Average rating 7.19 Squad number 15 Player name Boly Average rating 7.18 Squad number 11 Player name Rui Patrício Average rating 7.18 Squad number 20 Player name Vitinha Average rating 7.03 Squad number 37 Player name Traoré Average rating 6.75 Squad number 22 Player name Nélson Semedo Average rating 6.74 Squad number 32 Player name Dendoncker Average rating 6.59 Chelsea Avg Squad number 18 Player name Giroud Average rating 5.40 Squad number 10 Player name Pulisic Average rating 4.69 Squad number 7 Player name Kanté Average rating 4.60 Squad number 21 Player name Chilwell Average rating 4.25 Squad number 15 Player name Zouma Average rating 4.21 Squad number 6 Player name Thiago Silva Average rating 4.20 Squad number 16 Player name Mendy Average rating 4.00 Squad number 24 Player name James Average rating 3.96 Squad number 19 Player name Mount Average rating 3.82 Squad number 17 Player name Kovacic Average rating 3.71 Squad number 9 Player name Abraham Average rating 3.46 Squad number 11 Player name Werner Average rating 3.03 Squad number 29 Player name Havertz Average rating 2.90
Line-ups
Match Stats
Live Text Line-ups Wolves Formation 3-4-1-2 11 Rui Patrício 15 Boly 16 Coady 27 Saïss 22 Nélson Semedo 32 Dendoncker 8 Neves 5 Marçal 10 Podence 17 Fábio Silva 7 Neto 11 Rui Patrício
15 Boly
16 Coady
27 Saïss
22 Nélson Semedo Booked at 90mins
32 Dendoncker Substituted for Otasowie at 45' minutes
8 Neves
5 Marçal
10 Podence Booked at 77mins Substituted for Vitinha at 90' minutes
17 Fábio Silva Substituted for Traoré at 61' minutes
7 Neto Substitutes 2 Hoever
3 Aït-Nouri
20 Vitinha
21 Ruddy
37 Traoré
49 Kilman
54 Otasowie Chelsea Formation 4-3-3 16 Mendy 24 James 15 Zouma 6 Thiago Silva 21 Chilwell 29 Havertz 7 Kanté 19 Mount 11 Werner 18 Giroud 10 Pulisic 16 Mendy
24 James
15 Zouma
6 Thiago Silva
21 Chilwell
29 Havertz Substituted for Kovacic at 71' minutes
7 Kanté Booked at 85mins
19 Mount Booked at 60mins
11 Werner
18 Giroud Substituted for Abraham at 71' minutes
10 Pulisic Substitutes 1 Arrizabalaga
2 Rüdiger
5 Jorginho
9 Abraham
17 Kovacic
23 Gilmour
28 Azpilicueta Referee: Stuart Attwell Match Stats Live Text Post update Match ends, Wolverhampton Wanderers 2, Chelsea 1. Full Time Second Half ends, Wolverhampton Wanderers 2, Chelsea 1. Post update Attempt missed. Pedro Neto (Wolverhampton Wanderers) left footed shot from a difficult angle on the right is just a bit too high. Assisted by Owen Otasowie following a fast break. Post update Corner, Chelsea. Conceded by Nélson Semedo. Post update Attempt blocked. Timo Werner (Chelsea) right footed shot from the left side of the box is blocked. Assisted by Ben Chilwell with a cross. Post update Corner, Chelsea. Conceded by Nélson Semedo. goal Goal! Goal! Wolverhampton Wanderers 2, Chelsea 1. Pedro Neto (Wolverhampton Wanderers) left footed shot from the left side of the box to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Vitinha following a fast break. Booking Nélson Semedo (Wolverhampton Wanderers) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul. Post update Christian Pulisic (Chelsea) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Post update Foul by Nélson Semedo (Wolverhampton Wanderers). Substitution Substitution, Wolverhampton Wanderers. Vitinha replaces Daniel Podence. Post update Christian Pulisic (Chelsea) wins a free kick in the attacking half. Post update Foul by Conor Coady (Wolverhampton Wanderers). Post update Foul by Timo Werner (Chelsea). Post update Pedro Neto (Wolverhampton Wanderers) wins a free kick on the right wing. Post update Mateo Kovacic (Chelsea) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Post update Foul by Rúben Neves (Wolverhampton Wanderers). Booking N'Golo Kanté (Chelsea) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul. Post update Foul by N'Golo Kanté (Chelsea). Post update Pedro Neto (Wolverhampton Wanderers) wins a free kick on the right wing. Page 1 of 6 rewind previous Navigate to the next page next Navigate to the last page forward


bbc--2020-12-16--Antetokounmpo signs richest deal in NBA history

Last updated on .From the section Basketball Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo has signed a contract extension worth a reported $ 228.2m ( £170.1m ) - the richest in NBA history .
His agent confirmed the details of the contract to ESPN , with the total value beating the mark of $ 228m ( £169.9m ) set by Houston Rockets guard James Harden in 2017 .
`` This is my home , this is my city , '' said Antetokounmpo on social media .
`` I 'm blessed to be able to be a part of the Milwaukee Bucks for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's make these years count - the show goes on , let 's get it . ''
It marks the latest chapter in the rise of Antetokounmpo , who was born in Athens to Nigerian immigrants and once earned money hawking watches , bags and sunglasses as a street vendor .
Greek forward Antetokounmpo , who did not own a suit before he was drafted 15th overall by the Bucks in 2013 , would have been eligible for free agency after the 2020-21 season if he had not signed .
His new contract @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal after four years .
The Bucks finished top of the Eastern Conference last season , with the best record in the NBA , but were upset by the Miami Heat in the conference semi-finals during the play-offs .
Antetokounmpo was named the MVP for the second successive season in September and also won the Defensive Player of the Year - becoming only the third player , after Michael Jordan and Hakeem Olajuwon , to earn both in the same season .
Harden had two years , worth $ 59m , left on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four-year $ 169m extension in 2017 .
Antetokounmpo 's average annual salary of $ 45.6m also surpasses the mark of Washington Wizards guard Russell Westbrook , who signed a five-year deal worth $ 206.8m with former team the Oklahoma City Thunder , the equivalent of $ 41.4m per year .
The delayed 2020-21 NBA campaign , which has been reduced to 72 regular-season games because of the coronavirus pandemic , is set to begin on 22 December .
• None Want all the goals and talking points from Sunday 's Premier League games @

Last updated on .From the section Basketball
Giannis Antetokounmpo has been one of the most dominant players in the NBA over recent years
Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo has signed a contract extension worth a reported $228.2m (£170.1m) - the richest in NBA history.
The two-time Most Valuable Player, 26, has agreed a five-year deal.
His agent confirmed the details of the contract to ESPN, external-link with the total value beating the mark of $228m (£169.9m) set by Houston Rockets guard James Harden in 2017.
"This is my home, this is my city," said Antetokounmpo on social media.
"I'm blessed to be able to be a part of the Milwaukee Bucks for the next five years.
"Let's make these years count - the show goes on, let's get it."
It marks the latest chapter in the rise of Antetokounmpo, who was born in Athens to Nigerian immigrants and once earned money hawking watches, bags and sunglasses as a street vendor.
Greek forward Antetokounmpo, who did not own a suit before he was drafted 15th overall by the Bucks in 2013, would have been eligible for free agency after the 2020-21 season if he had not signed.
His new contract permits him to opt out of the deal after four years.
The Bucks finished top of the Eastern Conference last season, with the best record in the NBA, but were upset by the Miami Heat in the conference semi-finals during the play-offs.
Antetokounmpo was named the MVP for the second successive season in September and also won the Defensive Player of the Year - becoming only the third player, after Michael Jordan and Hakeem Olajuwon, to earn both in the same season.
Harden had two years, worth $59m, left on his previous deal when he signed a four-year $169m extension in 2017.
Antetokounmpo's average annual salary of $45.6m also surpasses the mark of Washington Wizards guard Russell Westbrook, who signed a five-year deal worth $206.8m with former team the Oklahoma City Thunder, the equivalent of $41.4m per year.
The delayed 2020-21 NBA campaign, which has been reduced to 72 regular-season games because of the coronavirus pandemic, is set to begin on 22 December.


bbc--2020-12-16--US Federal Reserve warns of 'challenging months'

`` You have to think that sometime in the middle of next year , you will see people comfortable going @ @ @ @ @ broad range of activities , '' he said .
`` The issue is more the @ @ @ @ @ . ''

"You have to think that sometime in the middle of next year, you will see people comfortable going out and engaging in a broad range of activities," he said. "The issue is more the next four or five months."


bbc--2020-12-16--Experts to probe Covid origins in China's Wuhan

A team of 10 international scientists will travel to the Chinese city of Wuhan next month to investigate the origins of Covid-19 , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) has said .
Beijing has been reluctant to agree to an independent inquiry and it has taken many months of negotiations for the WHO to be allowed access to the city .
What is the aim of the investigation ?
A biologist on the team travelling to Wuhan told the Associated Press news agency that the WHO was not seeking to apportion blame , but rather to prevent future outbreaks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understand what happened and then see if , based on those data , we can try to reduce the risk in the future . ''
Dr Leendertz said the aim was to find out when the virus began circulating and whether or not it originated in Wuhan .
Where and when was the virus first detected ?
In the early days of the virus , it was traced to a so-called `` wet market '' in Wuhan , Hubei province , and it was suggested that this was where it made the leap @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a Chinese doctor at Wuhan Central Hospital - Li Wenliang - tried to warn fellow medics about a possible outbreak of a new disease , but was told by police to `` stop making false comments '' and was investigated for `` spreading rumours '' .
The office of the US national intelligence director said at the time that while the virus was not man-made or genetically modified , officials were investigating whether the outbreak began through contact with animals or through a laboratory accident .
But analysts say the reports are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anxiety within the leadership in Beijing about damage to the country 's international reputation from the pandemic .
The question of an independent inquiry into the origins of the virus has become embroiled in international geopolitics and rows about the WHO .
The Trump administration has always taken a hard line , arguing that the WHO has been too soft on China and citing examples of officials praising the Chinese regime for its actions such as locking down Wuhan , mass testing and its publication of the genetic code of the virus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ said there needed to be a proper inquiry - including Australia and the UK .
The Associated Press revealed transcripts of video calls from WHO officials complaining back in January that they had not received the right data they needed from the Chinese authorities .
A two-man WHO team that visited China this summer had difficulty negotiating access to Wuhan .
This trip , when it does happen , will probably concentrate on fundamental biological questions : did the virus originally come from bats ?
Was there an `` intermediate host '' linking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wet markets at the centre of the initial outbreak ?
What has been the response to China 's reporting of the virus ?
China 's tackling of the developing crisis was praised in January by the head of the WHO 's Health Emergencies Programme , Dr Mike Ryan , who said the `` challenge is great but the response has been massive '' .
In March , the head of the WHO in China , Dr Gauden Galea , told the BBC there were `` shortcomings '' in tackling the outbreak in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look at how issues could be avoided in the future .

Covid: WHO to investigate virus origins in China's Wuhan Published 16 December 2020
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Covid-19: How everyday life has changed in Wuhan
A team of 10 international scientists will travel to the Chinese city of Wuhan next month to investigate the origins of Covid-19, the World Health Organization (WHO) has said.
Beijing has been reluctant to agree to an independent inquiry and it has taken many months of negotiations for the WHO to be allowed access to the city.
The virus is thought to have come from a market in the city selling animals.
But the search for the source has led to tensions, notably with the US.
President Donald Trump's administration has accused China of trying to conceal the initial outbreak.
What is the aim of the investigation?
A biologist on the team travelling to Wuhan told the Associated Press news agency that the WHO was not seeking to apportion blame, but rather to prevent future outbreaks.
"It's really not about finding a guilty country," Fabian Leendertz of Germany's Robert Koch Institute said.
"It's about trying to understand what happened and then see if, based on those data, we can try to reduce the risk in the future."
Dr Leendertz said the aim was to find out when the virus began circulating and whether or not it originated in Wuhan.
The mission was expected to last four or five weeks, he added.
Where and when was the virus first detected?
In the early days of the virus, it was traced to a so-called "wet market" in Wuhan, Hubei province, and it was suggested that this was where it made the leap from animals to humans.
But experts now believe it may simply have been amplified there.
Research suggests that coronaviruses capable of infecting humans may have been circulating undetected in bats for decades.
Last December, a Chinese doctor at Wuhan Central Hospital - Li Wenliang - tried to warn fellow medics about a possible outbreak of a new disease, but was told by police to "stop making false comments" and was investigated for "spreading rumours".
Dr Li died in February after contracting the virus while treating patients in the city.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, It was initially believed that the virus originated at a so-called "wet market" in Wuhan
In April, suspicions and allegations emerged that the virus might have leaked from a laboratory in Wuhan.
US State Department cables came to light suggesting that embassy officials were worried about biosecurity there.
The office of the US national intelligence director said at the time that while the virus was not man-made or genetically modified, officials were investigating whether the outbreak began through contact with animals or through a laboratory accident.
Recent reports in Chinese media have suggested that Covid-19 could have started outside China.
But analysts say the reports are without foundation, and the campaign reflects anxiety within the leadership in Beijing about damage to the country's international reputation from the pandemic.
Will access to Wuhan provide answers?
Analysis by Naomi Grimley, BBC health correspondent
The question of an independent inquiry into the origins of the virus has become embroiled in international geopolitics and rows about the WHO.
The Trump administration has always taken a hard line, arguing that the WHO has been too soft on China and citing examples of officials praising the Chinese regime for its actions such as locking down Wuhan, mass testing and its publication of the genetic code of the virus.
However, lots of other countries also said there needed to be a proper inquiry - including Australia and the UK. The Associated Press revealed transcripts of video calls from WHO officials complaining back in January that they had not received the right data they needed from the Chinese authorities. A two-man WHO team that visited China this summer had difficulty negotiating access to Wuhan.
This trip, when it does happen, will probably concentrate on fundamental biological questions: did the virus originally come from bats? Was there an "intermediate host" linking bats to humans? And were Wuhan wet markets at the centre of the initial outbreak?
What has been the response to China's reporting of the virus?
China's tackling of the developing crisis was praised in January by the head of the WHO's Health Emergencies Programme, Dr Mike Ryan, who said the "challenge is great but the response has been massive".
Beijing had helped slow the spread of the virus, the WHO said, by quickly volunteering to share its knowledge of the virus's genetic code.
However, the US - among a number of other countries - raised questions about whether China was fully transparent when the virus first emerged there.
In March, the head of the WHO in China, Dr Gauden Galea, told the BBC there were "shortcomings" in tackling the outbreak in the early days, but that experts would look at how issues could be avoided in the future.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Dr Gauden Galea, WHO head in China: "The country itself has already announced that there were shortcomings"
Mr Trump later attacked the WHO itself for being too "China-centric" in praising Beijing, saying the organisation "really blew it" with its early guidance during the outbreak.
He announced that he was pulling the US out of the body and said funding would be redirected elsewhere.


bbc--2020-12-17--UK and US in talks over mini trade deal

UK and US in talks over mini trade deal

`` The nature of our relationship is going to be affected by the nature of the relationship between the EU @ @ @ @ @ .
They 're a much bigger trading partner to you than we are , so @ @ @ @ @ I 've always had the view that there 's just an awful lot of trade @ @ @ @ @ EU and it was hard to see there were n't going to be any rules @ @ @ @

"The nature of our relationship is going to be affected by the nature of the relationship between the EU and the UK, right. They're a much bigger trading partner to you than we are, so that has an impact... I've always had the view that there's just an awful lot of trade between the UK and the EU and it was hard to see there weren't going to be any rules to that."


bbc--2020-12-16--Trump Twitter ‘hack’: Police accept attacker's claim

`` He later stated to police that he had investigated the strength of the password because there were major interests @ @ @ @ @ could be taken over so shortly before the presidential election . ''

"He later stated to police that he had investigated the strength of the password because there were major interests involved if this Twitter account could be taken over so shortly before the presidential election."