bbc--2020-08-01--My Money: 'My daughter's therapy costs £5,490 each month'

My Money is a series looking at how people spend their money - and the sometimes tough decisions they have to make .
Here , Matt from Singapore takes us through a week in his life during the coronavirus pandemic .
Matt is 39 and has lived in Singapore for 11 years .
He works for one of the big tech companies as a cyber security consultant .
His wife Imelda works in IT for a large pharmaceutical company .
Matt and Imelda have a daughter named Alex who is four and has special needs .
They rent a three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Singapore .
Singapore is mandating work-from-home , or `` telecommuting '' as much as possible due to Covid-19 and today was back-to-back meetings for me so I did n't leave my bedroom very much as my workspace is at the end of my bed .
My wife works from home as well and her workspace is in the lounge/diner .
At the end of the day we had chicken rice ( a Singapore staple ) .
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Another day of the same… working from home .
I was up at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wanted to watch the recording of Man Utd vs Southampton , but also because I had some documents to read and updates to prepare before the day started .
I was supposed to make smoothies for lunch today as part of our healthy week , we had already bought the ingredients at the weekend , but decided on going out for lunch instead .
My wife and I went to Kurry Korner in River Valley , one of our favourite Indian restaurants .
We had the vegetarian lunch set , a total of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the two of us .
Even though we were eating out , we were practising safe distancing in the restaurant , and only removing our masks to eat and drink .
This is the norm in Singapore and we are very supportive of this practice .
After leaving the restaurant , I walked home and picked up two coffees and a sausage roll to share as an afternoon snack , a total of Singapore $ 19.26 .
Conference calls till the end of the day , followed by a home cooked dinner of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then settling down for the night .
My wife was in the mood to order breakfast this morning , so we ordered from Fun Toast to start the day .
A sardines toast , hot coffee and a mee siam set us back Singapore $ 15.29 including the Singapore $ 4.99 delivery from Food Panda .
I had a quiet morning and needed to get some thinking time in so I was able to walk through the neighbourhood for over an hour .
I like walking through our neighbourhood because we live on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ valued into the tens of millions of dollars .
We will never afford them , but nice to look at !
Another afternoon of full on meetings and taking my daughter to her speech therapy session .
As there is no NHS for us here , we are n't Singapore citizens with a government backed medical savings scheme , the bill is Singapore $ 190 for an hour with a private therapist .
We 've been seeing value in Alex 's speech therapy but two sessions of this per week soon adds up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tonight so that 's no spend today but it 's my Mum 's birthday soon so I transfer £150 to my sister to put towards the B & Q vouchers we are buying for some home improvements .
I started work early again today and we had a team meeting to announce some changes in the team .
Imelda bought coffees and croissants from the local coffee shop because she needed a walk ( Singapore $ 10 ) .
The fact that our coffee machine is still in for repair is starting to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' at Singapore $ 22.59 for two ( including the Singapore $ 4.99 delivery fee ) from Food Panda but seeing as they get our order wrong and send us chicken kebabs , Food Panda refund us the money !
In the afternoon I take Alex to speech therapy ( another Singapore $ 190 ) and spend the time I 'm waiting just walking and making phone calls .
For dinner tonight , our helper made pizzas !
Some will be saved till tomorrow .
In the evening we decide to order bubble @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , plus the Singapore $ 4.99 delivery fee - Singapore 10.99 total ) and spend some time watching British TV shows .
It might be age , but we enjoy watching Doc Martin , Rosemary and Thyme , Blackadder and Poirot .
Working our way through all the re-runs !
Being that we are meant to stay home ( Covid-19 ) we watch far more TV and I think of the UK quite a lot in these times .
Another day , another morning of working in the bedroom .
Each day seems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Friday .
Imelda goes out for croissants and coffee ( Singapore $ 10 ) as I 'm feeling quite down about the changes at work .
Still , I make it through the morning and have some salad for lunch and a sneaky slice of last night 's pizza !
Ok , so the last two slices… I 'm not looking forward to Imelda 's disapproving look when she reads this .
Since it is Friday I decide some beers are in order once I get to the end of the day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including Singapore $ 0.20 service fee and Singapore $ 3 tip to the rider from Deliveroo ) and order four beers from Peperoni Pizza .
I did n't need food , but they carry some great craft beers .
We have a dinner at home again but once we get Alex to bed , we head out for a drink at the Irish pub !
We have n't been to Scruffy Murphy since the quarantine period started in Singapore and it 's great to be back !
I have a couple of Kronenberg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sandwich ( I have n't had one for at least six months ) .
Imelda has a coke ( she 's the designated driver ) and at 22:00 we are promptly issued our bill of Singapore $ 51 so they can close on time .
Our parking fee is about Singapore $ 1 which is n't bad for 90 mins .
Home to fall asleep to episodes of Miss Marple .
We all woke up later than normal today .
We decide to order breakfast and Imelda wants the Burger King pancakes today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 20.89 for three breakfasts and delivery included ) then get ready to take Alex to the doctor for her annual check up .
The doctor is about a 20 minutes drive away and after an Singapore $ 80 consultation fee that we can claim from our medical insurance and Singapore $ 3.20 in two-and-a-half hours of parking , we are on our way home .
Alex has been confirmed by the doctor to need some occupational therapy for a couple of conditions so that 's starting to sound expensive !
We can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start looking around for a good one .
Occupational therapy will now add to the ABA therapy and speech therapy we already pay for Alex .
Raising a child in Singapore is very expensive , especially when they have special needs and you 're a foreigner .
We have n't had to pay the ABA therapy bill during the week of this blog but that sets us back around Singapore $ 9,800 ( £5,490 ) each month .
We saved some during the circuit breaker because all sessions were remote .
It 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has suspected autism ; do you hope it 's a phase and they 'll develop late or do you make a choice and invest in early intervention ?
Fortunately , we chose the latter and it turned out to be the right call .
We are lucky that we are both employed in good jobs and salaries .
We can afford it for now , but it 's massively impacting our ability to save for retirement .
Luckily when she starts school that will actually be cheaper ; we are looking forward to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of leftovers from the week .
Then go out for a walk at Hort Park , followed by Paddy Hills for coffee and dessert ( Singapore $ 37.45 ) .
In the evening I meet up with my friend David , who I 've not seen since January .
I take a taxi to get there ( Singapore $ 11.18 ) and we meet at Acid Bar at Orchard Road , after spending a long time drinking beers , eating pizzas and fries and putting the world to rights , David insists strongly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the place and was there earlier than me after all .
And I have just given him a decent USB-C travel charger , but it 'll be my turn on the bill next time .
While I spent nothing on the night out , on the way home I stop at 7-11 for weekend treats - a bottle of wine , ice creams , beers , and biscuits , which comes to about Singapore $ 83 .
All indulgences for the weekend .
Covid-19 is taking its toll and we are overindulging !
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 9.60 .
Final day of the blog !
It 's a lazy Sunday and Imelda wants the pancakes from Burger King again , they are actually really good and come with maple syrup so we spend Singapore $ 20.89 ( including the Singapore $ 4.99 delivery fee ) and have breakfast at home in front of the TV , we watch cartoons and play with Alex until it 's time to go out for lunch and to get out of the house .
With weekdays being so exhausting now , there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Singapore $ 31 lunch at # 87 Just Thai , we went to Sentosa for a walk along the beach .
It was a super-hot day though and Alex was n't feeling the outdoors , so we soon wound up sitting and having a drink in the air conditioning , spending Singapore $ 6 .
The entry fee to Sentosa in a car is free now because of Covid-19 so we saved on the Singapore $ 5 .
Parking was around Singapore $ 3 though .
Feeling lazy from the hot day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cards and we settled for McDonalds .
Singapore $ 30.20 saw the three of us eating very well .
Since McDonalds deliver as well it 's super easy and we would rather sit at home than in the restaurant ( social distancing after all ) .
Tomorrow , it all begins again … How does Matt feel about his week ?
The week was a bit of a wreck in terms of diet .
That 's the most shocking thing probably .
I am very much in a comfort-eating zone at the moment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bit of a hit through Covid-19 and all the changes and additional demands .
The additional expenses for occupational therapy for Alex are a point of concern , but we will find a way .
As parents , we want to do as much as we can for our little one to give her as much opportunity to live an independent life as we possibly can .
As I read back over this , I do get self-conscious about how much we spend on different things and cringe when I imagine friends and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But this is life in Singapore , and everything is relative .

It's the dilemma of any parent whose child has suspected autism; do you hope it's a phase and they'll develop late or do you make a choice and invest in early intervention? Fortunately, we chose the latter and it turned out to be the right call. We are lucky that we are both employed in good jobs and salaries. We can afford it for now, but it's massively impacting our ability to save for retirement. Luckily when she starts school that will actually be cheaper; we are looking forward to that.


bbc--2020-08-01--Kashmir's open-air classes offer stunning solution to lockdown

Schools across India are struggling to teach online as the pandemic forces them to stay shut .
But this town in Indian-administered Kashmir has found a novel solution , reports Abid Bhatt .
Every morning , students in Doodpathri , a town in Budgam district , walk past streams and bridges , and up the hill to their new classroom : a picturesque spot with the snow-capped Himalayas as a backdrop .
The outdoor school is a breather for both parents and children after months of a grinding lockdown to slow down Covid-19 infections .
The state has reported more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` It 's far better that our kids attend such schools than grow weary in homes where they often end up frustrating themselves , '' says Mushtaq Ahmad , whose son is attending the open air school .
Officials should collaborate with locals to set up more such schools , he adds .
Despite Kashmir 's troubled relationship with India - and the spectre of violence that haunts the valley - it has long been a popular tourist destination for its idyllic beauty .
And Doodpathri itself is a well-known hill station @ @ @ @ @ @ @ summer , locals asked officials to put the area 's stunning locales to different use .
`` The classes are being conducted keeping the safety measures in mind , '' said Mohammad Ramzan Wani , zonal education officer , who helped set up the community school .
`` Due to unpredictable weather in upper reaches , we also tried to pitch tents for seamless execution of these classes . ''
Indian students , especially those in rural areas and poorly funded government schools , have struggled to attend classes online due to spotty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ single household .
Even in private schools , the move to online classes has exposed a digital divide between students who have multiple devices - from laptops to iPads to smartphones - at home and those that do n't .
So in rural Kashmir , the option of open air classrooms was a welcome respite .
`` Most of these children belong to Gujjar-Bakarwal community of Kashmir , '' says a teacher who had volunteered for this community school .
The Gujjar-Bakarwals are a nomadic tribe .
`` Their eager participation has made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ similar demand elsewhere , '' the teacher adds .
The move has been particularly helpful since children here had been out of school even before the pandemic began .
In August 2019 , India 's federal government revoked the region 's special status , which gave it more autonomy than most other states , creating a further rift between Delhi and Srinagar .
The move came with an unprecedented lockdown and suspension of phone and internet services .
While the latter have been restored to some extent , high-speed or 4G internet is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ valley has n't been normal for the past year .
Officials say the open-air schools are following all protocols related to Covid-19 , such as wearing of masks and social distancing .
Teachers say authorities regularly show up for inspections , and ensure that whatever is needed for the classes is available .
The only disadvantage is that they have no way of sheltering from the rain .
When the clouds overhead burst , the children run for shelter , the sounds of the summer shower interrupted only by their giggles and screams @

In August 2019, India's federal government revoked the region's special status, which gave it more autonomy than most other states, creating a further rift between Delhi and Srinagar. The move came with an unprecedented lockdown and suspension of phone and internet services. While the latter have been restored to some extent, high-speed or 4G internet is still banned.


bbc--2020-08-01--TikTok: How would the US go about banning the Chinese app?

`` We may be banning TikTok , '' President Trump told reporters , saying an announcement could come as soon as this weekend .
He added there were other options - but how might a ban work ?
One obvious starting place would be to order Apple and Google to remove the app from their online stores .
This might be done by adding TikTok 's owner Bytedance to a Commerce Department entity list , and forbidding US firms from working with it - a similar tactic was used to stop Google providing its apps to Huawei .
That would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ download the app .
Existing users would be prevented from receiving notifications and installing updates , although they would still have the app on their devices .
One way to address this would be to tell Apple and Google to use a `` kill switch '' facility they both have , which lets them remotely wipe or prevent blacklisted apps from launching .
A Brazilian judge once threatened to force the two firms to use the power in 2014 , but ultimately backed off .
Apple and Google would likely be loathe to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such a way and might even resist such an order .
So an easier alternative might be to compel local internet service providers to block access to TikTok 's servers .
This would have the added advantage of preventing TikTok 's videos being viewable via its website .
India took such a measure when it banned TikTok and dozens of other Chinese apps .
And users have reported being unable to circumvent the block by using a virtual private network ( VPN ) .
But it 's not clear how Mr Trump would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ draconian approach would be to ban TikTok from being installed onto federal employees ' work phones .
Congress has already voted in favour of the idea and the Senate is still considering it .
But that would be a much less dramatic move than Trump seems to be hinting at .
• Trump says he may ban Chinese video app in the US • TikTok : How app got caught up in the US-China clash • TikTok : We are not 'under the thumb ' of China A further possibility is that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ States ( Cfius ) - which is chaired by the US Treasury - rules against Bytedance 's takeover of the app Musical.ly , whose users were migrated over to TikTok in 2018 .
Musical.ly was owned by another Chinese start-up .
But Cfius has the power to review takeovers that potentially pose a national security risk .
And because Bytedance did not seek clearance for the acquisition at the time , the committee was able to launch a post-deal probe last year .
If Cfius rejects the takeover , it could order Bytedance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US .
The question is whether a spun-off TikTok would be allowed to continue under different ownership as an alternative , perhaps even with a rebrand .
Microsoft is reportedly in talks to acquire the business - some internet wags have already suggested it might be called Microsoft Teens ( a play on the the firm 's Teams service ) .
The US tech giant would presumably be viewed as a more trustworthy guardian of the data the app collects , and assuage fears the China might still be somehow accessing its logs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such a deal , Microsoft declined to comment .
What does TikTok say ?
`` One hundred million Americans come to TikTok for entertainment and connection .
`` We 've hired nearly 1,000 people to our US team this year alone , and are proud to be hiring another 10,000 employees .
`` TikTok US user data is stored in the US , with strict controls on employee access .
TikTok 's biggest investors come from the US .
`` We are committed to protecting our users ' privacy and safety as we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and meaningful careers to those who create on our platform . ''
March 2012 : Bytedance is established in China and launches Neihan Duanzi - an app to help Chinese users share memes August 2017 : An international version of Douyin is launched under the brand TikTok in some parts of the world , but not the US at this time May 2018 : TikTok declared world 's most downloaded non-game iOS app over first three months of the year , by market research firm Sensor Tower August 2018 : Bytedance announces it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ users over to TikTok February 2019 : TikTok fined in US over Musical.ly 's handling of under-13s ' data May 2020 : TikTok hires Disney executive Kevin Meyer to become the division 's chief executive and chief operating officer of Bytedance July 2020 : US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo , and then President Trump , say TikTok may be banned

Congress has already voted in favour of the idea and the Senate is still considering it. But that would be a much less dramatic move than Trump seems to be hinting at.


bbc--2020-08-01--Lewis Hamilton on pole position for British Grand Prix

Last updated on .From the section Formula 1 Lewis Hamilton set the fastest ever lap around Silverstone to beat Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas to pole position at the British Grand Prix .
McLaren 's Lando Norris starred with fifth place , ahead of the so-called 'pink Mercedes ' Racing Point of Lance Stroll .
Ferrari 's Sebastian Vettel could manage only 10th after struggling all weekend .
The Mercedes cars were expected to fly around the high-speed Silverstone sweeps and so it proved , with Hamilton ending qualifying 1.022secs quicker than Verstappen .
The black cars have such an advantage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ falling back compared to last year - that at this stage it seems hard to see them being beaten at all this year .
Hamilton 's pole was his fifth at Silverstone in six years and he is aiming to extend his record of home victories to seven on Sunday .
But it was far from plain sailing - Hamilton was beaten by Bottas in the first two sessions of qualifying and even had a spin early in the second , but he pulled the laps out of the bag when it mattered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` There is a relatively big gap between us and third place but it does n't matter .
Valtteri is pushing me right to the limit .
He has been pushing me all weekend .
`` I made some changes before qualifying and it was worse .
It was a real struggle out there .
`` This track is difficult with the wind and it is like juggling balls while on a moving plate at high speed .
`` I had that spin but with some deep breaths I managed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Bottas said : `` I was just waiting for Q3 but then I started to drift a bit more with the rear end .
I do n't know what happened , Lewis found more than me . ''
Hamilton said he had missed the 100,000-plus fans who would normally flock to Silverstone for this weekend but said : `` Hopefully back home they enjoyed it today . ''
Positive signs for Ferrari - but for how long ?
Verstappen said that there was no way of challenging the Mercedes , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that while Hamilton 's time was 0.7secs quicker than Bottas ' pole from last year , Verstappen was a fraction slower than he was in 2019 .
`` Very early in qualifying they were just way too fast , '' he said .
`` You try to accept that and do the best you can .
To be P3 is a good start .
`` We are little but should be a bit closer in the race .
I do n't say I am going fight them but at least you have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team-mate Alexander Albon was struggling after a crash on Friday and missing much of the final practice session with a battery problem and qualified only 12th .
Verstappen had to fight to beat Leclerc , in Ferrari 's best qualifying performance of the year .
The Italian team have chosen a low-downforce set-up for this weekend , finding it gives them strong one-lap pace , but they have been struggling on long runs and expect to be less competitive in the race .
Behind them , Norris excelled for McLaren , wearing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ female fan for the weekend .
He took fifth on the grid , ahead of Stroll and just under 0.2secs quicker than team-mate Carlos Sainz .
`` I 'm very happy , '' said Norris .
`` It was a bit of a scrappy qualifying , went off on my first push lap of Q1 .
In Q3 , I managed to put it together and put in I do n't know if it was my best lap ever , but one of my best laps . ''
The upgraded Renaults of Daniel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ninth , with Vettel taking the final top 10 spot nearly a second adrift of team-mate Leclerc after losing significant amounts of track time through the weekend owing to a series of reliability problems .
Williams ' George Russell was 15th , but was then handed a five-place grid penalty for failing to slow for yellow caution flags .
• None A whole day of classics , build-up and live action on BBC iPlayer • None What next for plant based alternatives ?

Last updated on .From the section Formula 1
Sunday's British Grand Prix is live on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sport website from 14:10 BST
Lewis Hamilton set the fastest ever lap around Silverstone to beat Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas to pole position at the British Grand Prix.
Hamilton, faster on both runs in the final session, was 0.313 seconds clear of Bottas while Red Bull's Max Verstappen pipped Charles Leclerc's improved Ferrari to third.
McLaren's Lando Norris starred with fifth place, ahead of the so-called 'pink Mercedes' Racing Point of Lance Stroll.
Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel could manage only 10th after struggling all weekend.
Mercedes untouchable
The Mercedes cars were expected to fly around the high-speed Silverstone sweeps and so it proved, with Hamilton ending qualifying 1.022secs quicker than Verstappen.
The black cars have such an advantage - exacerbated by Red Bull and Ferrari falling back compared to last year - that at this stage it seems hard to see them being beaten at all this year.
Hamilton's pole was his fifth at Silverstone in six years and he is aiming to extend his record of home victories to seven on Sunday.
But it was far from plain sailing - Hamilton was beaten by Bottas in the first two sessions of qualifying and even had a spin early in the second, but he pulled the laps out of the bag when it mattered in the top 10 shoot-out.
Hamilton now has 91 career pole positions
Hamilton said: "There is a relatively big gap between us and third place but it doesn't matter. Valtteri is pushing me right to the limit. He has been pushing me all weekend.
"I made some changes before qualifying and it was worse. It was a real struggle out there.
"This track is difficult with the wind and it is like juggling balls while on a moving plate at high speed.
"I had that spin but with some deep breaths I managed to compose myself. It never gets old."
Bottas said: "I was just waiting for Q3 but then I started to drift a bit more with the rear end. I don't know what happened, Lewis found more than me."
Hamilton said he had missed the 100,000-plus fans who would normally flock to Silverstone for this weekend but said: "Hopefully back home they enjoyed it today."
Positive signs for Ferrari - but for how long?
Ferrari's Leclerc starts fourth on the grid for tomorrow's race but could face a potential penalty for an unsafe release
Verstappen said that there was no way of challenging the Mercedes, but Red Bull will be just as concerned that while Hamilton's time was 0.7secs quicker than Bottas' pole from last year, Verstappen was a fraction slower than he was in 2019.
"Very early in qualifying they were just way too fast," he said. "You try to accept that and do the best you can. To be P3 is a good start.
"We are little but should be a bit closer in the race. I don't say I am going fight them but at least you have a fighting chance starting third."
His team-mate Alexander Albon was struggling after a crash on Friday and missing much of the final practice session with a battery problem and qualified only 12th.
Verstappen had to fight to beat Leclerc, in Ferrari's best qualifying performance of the year.
The Italian team have chosen a low-downforce set-up for this weekend, finding it gives them strong one-lap pace, but they have been struggling on long runs and expect to be less competitive in the race.
Behind them, Norris excelled for McLaren, wearing a charming helmet design created by a six-year-old female fan for the weekend.
He took fifth on the grid, ahead of Stroll and just under 0.2secs quicker than team-mate Carlos Sainz.
"I'm very happy," said Norris. "It was a bit of a scrappy qualifying, went off on my first push lap of Q1. In Q3, I managed to put it together and put in I don't know if it was my best lap ever, but one of my best laps."
The upgraded Renaults of Daniel Ricciardo and Esteban Ocon were eighth and ninth, with Vettel taking the final top 10 spot nearly a second adrift of team-mate Leclerc after losing significant amounts of track time through the weekend owing to a series of reliability problems.
Williams' George Russell was 15th, but was then handed a five-place grid penalty for failing to slow for yellow caution flags.


bbc--2020-08-01--Aubameyang 'would cost zillions to replace' - but will he stay at Arsenal?

He would `` cost zillions to replace '' and manager Mikel Arteta wants to `` build his squad around him '' - but will Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang stay at Arsenal ?
The striker netted another two goals in Arsenal 's memorable victory over Chelsea in Saturday 's FA Cup final - securing their place in next season 's Europa League in the process .
He became just the fifth player to score two or more goals in a cup match at Wembley on more than one occasion , joining former Arsenal striker Ian Wright , Bryan Robson , Ian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ love him , the manager loves him ... but , with just one year left on his contract , has the 31-year-old Gabon striker played his last game for the Gunners ?
• How you rated the players 'He is our talisman' When pressed about the forward 's future , Arteta said he thinks Aubameyang will stay .
`` He knows what I think about him .
I want to build the squad around him .
I think he wants to stay and it is just about getting the deal done , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think these moments will help him to realise and believe that we are on the right path and he is a big part of that .
He is loved by everybody at the club .
Hopefully he can continue with us . ''
But Aubameyang was more coy .
He said there was `` nothing '' to say before running off to lift the trophy .
Meanwhile , teammates Rob Holding and an emotional Emiliano Martinez were full of praise for their skipper .
`` Aubameyang seems to do it on the break @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our talisman and has done it all season , '' said Holding .
`` I said to him [ Aubameyang ] before the game , you are going to win us the game , '' added Martinez , who was crying at full-time .
Aubameyang won and converted a penalty for Arsenal 's equaliser in the 28th-minute , cancelling out Christian Pulisic 's early opener for Chelsea .
But it was his second goal which really caught the eye , prompting former England international Danny Murphy , the co-commentator for BBC , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
`` That finish from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was absolutely sensational , '' said Murphy .
`` We have seen how important it is today for Arsenal to keep him .
It 's a beautiful , beautiful finish . ''
Premier League winner Chris Sutton added on BBC Radio 5 Live : `` Aubameyang would cost zillions to replace .
Absolute zillions .
You can see why Arsenal want to keep him .
`` It is absolutely genius .
He drifts past Kurt Zouma and dinks the ball over Willy Caballero .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an absolute work of art .
It 's sad Wembley does not have any fans in it . ''
And former Newcastle captain Alan Shearer said Aubameyang was `` red hot '' .
But his trophy-lifting skills need some work ... 'When are they erecting the statue ? '
How you reacted on social media Chris Lord : Aubameyang showed the world why he is n't a goalkeeper and a world class finisher tonight .
Sign the new contract Auba !
Champions again !
Bentemisonn : When are they erecting the Aubameyang statue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arsenal .
BigGoonerLad : I can not imagine life without him - pls plls pls Aubameyang put us all at rest and sign da ting .
Sandra Singh : What a great day for the Arsenal !
So happy for all the team especially Emiliano Martinez and of course the unstoppable Aubameyang .
Gentleman : It would be Arsenal 's biggest loss if they let Auba walk away .
They should renew his contract right away with improved package .
Njenga : Aubameyang was sensational , the way he scored that second goal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an Aubameyang FA Cup special • Aubameyang has now scored 13 goals for Arsenal in 2020 .
The only other player to have scored at least 13 goals for an English club this year is Said Benrahma , who has netted 14 for Championship side Brentford .
• He is the second Arsenal player to score twice in an FA Cup final , after Reg Lewis in 1950 .
• The striker is only the second player in the last 15 FA Cup finals to score a penalty , after Eden Hazard for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• At 31 years and 44 days , Aubameyang is the second-oldest goalscorer for Arsenal in the FA Cup , after Robert John in 1932 ( 33 years and 80 days ) .

Last updated on .From the section Arsenal
He would "cost zillions to replace" and manager Mikel Arteta wants to "build his squad around him" - but will Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang stay at Arsenal?
The striker scored another two goals in Arsenal's memorable victory over Chelsea in Saturday's FA Cup final - securing their place in next season's Europa League in the process.
He became just the fifth player to score two or more goals in a cup match at Wembley on more than one occasion, joining former Arsenal striker Ian Wright, Bryan Robson, Ian Rush and Eric Cantona.
The fans love him, the manager loves him... but, with just one year left on his contract, has the 31-year-old Gabon striker played his last game for the Gunners?
'He is our talisman'
When pressed about the forward's future, Arteta said he thinks Aubameyang will stay.
"He knows what I think about him. I want to build the squad around him. I think he wants to stay and it is just about getting the deal done," Arteta told BBC One.
"I think these moments will help him to realise and believe that we are on the right path and he is a big part of that. He is loved by everybody at the club. Hopefully he can continue with us."
But Aubameyang was more coy.
He said there was "nothing" to say before running off to lift the trophy.
Meanwhile, teammates Rob Holding and an emotional Emiliano Martinez were full of praise for their skipper.
"Aubameyang seems to do it on the break in every game. He is a our talisman and has done it all season," said Holding.
"I said to him [Aubameyang] before the game, you are going to win us the game," added Martinez, who was crying at full-time.
'An absolute work of art'
'I can't even talk' - Martinez in tears after FA Cup win
Aubameyang won and converted a penalty for Arsenal's equaliser in the 28th-minute, cancelling out Christian Pulisic's early opener for Chelsea.
But it was his second goal which really caught the eye, prompting former England international Danny Murphy, the co-commentator for BBC, to call Aubameyang "a world class footballer".
"That finish from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was absolutely sensational," said Murphy. "We have seen how important it is today for Arsenal to keep him. It's a beautiful, beautiful finish."
Premier League winner Chris Sutton added on BBC Radio 5 Live: "Aubameyang would cost zillions to replace. Absolute zillions. You can see why Arsenal want to keep him.
"It is absolutely genius. He drifts past Kurt Zouma and dinks the ball over Willy Caballero. It's one of the great goals - an absolute work of art. It's sad Wembley does not have any fans in it."
And former Newcastle captain Alan Shearer said Aubameyang was "red hot".
But his trophy-lifting skills need some work...
'When are they erecting the statue?' How you reacted on social media
Chris Lord: Aubameyang showed the world why he isn't a goalkeeper and a world class finisher tonight. Sign the new contract Auba! Champions again!
Bentemisonn: When are they erecting the Aubameyang statue? Now will be a good time Arsenal.
BigGoonerLad: I cannot imagine life without him - pls plls pls Aubameyang put us all at rest and sign da ting.
Sandra Singh: What a great day for the Arsenal! So happy for all the team especially Emiliano Martinez and of course the unstoppable Aubameyang.
Gentleman: It would be Arsenal's biggest loss if they let Auba walk away. They should renew his contract right away with improved package.
Njenga: Aubameyang was sensational, the way he scored that second goal...
The best of the stats - an Aubameyang FA Cup special


bbc--2020-08-01--England stumble to win over Ireland in second ODI

England stumbled against Ireland in the second one-day international but won by four wickets to take an unassailable 2-0 series lead .
Chasing 213 at the Ageas Bowl , the hosts were flying early on , with Jonny Bairstow striking a 41-ball 82 .
But when Bairstow fell , Eoin Morgan and Moeen Ali soon followed - all to seamer Josh Little - leaving England 137-6 .
It took a 79-run stand by Sam Billings and David Willey to see England home , albeit with 17.3 overs to spare .
Billings ended with an unbeaten 46 and Willey was 47 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closer than had been expected during Ireland 's disappointing batting performance , and when Bairstow was powering England to 131-3 inside 13 overs .
Ireland were 91-6 at one stage and had 21-year-old all-rounder Curtis Campher to thank again for taking them to a respectable score .
He followed his half-century on debut in the first ODI with 68 and also took 2-44 .
For England , Willey backed up his maiden international five-wicket haul on Thursday by taking two more wickets and leg-spinner Adil Rashid claimed an excellent 3-34 , including his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ takes place at the same venue on Tuesday .
England lost four top-order wickets in chasing 173 in the first match of the series on Thursday , and this was another stuttering batting display from the hosts .
Bairstow 's belligerent start - he equalled England 's fastest fifty in ODIs by passing the landmark in only 21 balls - ensured there was no need to score quickly , but Morgan and Moeen both fell to attacking strokes without scoring .
It was left to Billings to guide England to victory for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his 67 not out in the series opener .
He saw off the danger period when Ireland sensed victory and was composed in the anchor role , allowing Willey to play the more aggressive shots , including two sixes on the pull .
Had England collapsed further , it would have wasted a professional bowling performance in which Rashid continued his fine form .
He was the stand-out bowler , but there was also a wicket for Reece Topley on his first England appearance for more than four years , which was deserved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with fellow left-arm seamer Willey .
Fightback not enough for Ireland Ireland 's fightback with the ball was admirable , but their performances earlier cost them the game .
Like on Thursday , Campher came in at number seven after a top-order failure and dragged them to a score that was still well below par .
In the series opener , the Ireland top order looked to attack but on this occasion they looked unsure and were bogged down at 20-2 after 10 overs .
In truth , they could have lost more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ireland 's batsmen were either outdone by Rashid or fell to soft dismissals - such as that of captain Andrew Balbirnie , who feathered through a short ball from part-time bowler James Vince to gift the Hampshire batsman a first international wicket .
• The mid-innings chat that led to Campher 's switch from South Africa Campher was impressive again , showing composure in difficult circumstances and sound technique .
Later in his innings , he showed greater range of shots than on debut , going to his half-century with a scoop over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boundaries in quick succession off Willey , including a brilliant reverse scoop four .
His continued success and the way Little ( 3-60 ) responded to being smashed by Bairstow early on were two of few positives .
Ex-England batsman Michael Carberry on BBC Test Match Special : `` I have a lot of admiration for Bairstow .
I 've seen him at the start of his career and his confidence took a bit of a blow in the 2013-14 Ashes .
`` He 's a really determined hard worker , he 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come back a more confident player .
What he has now is that sense of belonging - he realises now that he belongs at this level .
`` Ireland were better today and there were some bright spots in the innings .
Curtis Campher has gone about his work so calmly in both innings .
They went into their shell until he came in .
`` The lack of runs and lack of impetus at the top of the order , has cost .
It 's always hard to post a total when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those first 15 overs . ''

Second one-day international, Ageas Bowl, Southampton Ireland 212-9 (50 overs): Campher 68*, Rashid 3-34 England 216-6 (32.3 overs): Bairstow 82, Willey 47*, Billings 46*; Little 3-60 England won by four wickets Scorecard
England stumbled against Ireland in the second one-day international but won by four wickets to take an unassailable 2-0 series lead.
Chasing 213 at the Ageas Bowl, the hosts were flying early on, with Jonny Bairstow striking a 41-ball 82.
But when Bairstow fell, Eoin Morgan and Moeen Ali soon followed - all to seamer Josh Little - leaving England 137-6.
It took a 79-run stand by Sam Billings and David Willey to see England home, albeit with 17.3 overs to spare.
Billings ended with an unbeaten 46 and Willey was 47 not out, but the game was closer than had been expected during Ireland's disappointing batting performance, and when Bairstow was powering England to 131-3 inside 13 overs.
Ireland were 91-6 at one stage and had 21-year-old all-rounder Curtis Campher to thank again for taking them to a respectable score. He followed his half-century on debut in the first ODI with 68 and also took 2-44.
For England, Willey backed up his maiden international five-wicket haul on Thursday by taking two more wickets and leg-spinner Adil Rashid claimed an excellent 3-34, including his 150th ODI wicket.
The series finale takes place at the same venue on Tuesday.
England batsmen stutter again
England lost four top-order wickets in chasing 173 in the first match of the series on Thursday, and this was another stuttering batting display from the hosts.
Bairstow's belligerent start - he equalled England's fastest fifty in ODIs by passing the landmark in only 21 balls - ensured there was no need to score quickly, but Morgan and Moeen both fell to attacking strokes without scoring.
It was left to Billings to guide England to victory for the second time in three days, after his 67 not out in the series opener.
He saw off the danger period when Ireland sensed victory and was composed in the anchor role, allowing Willey to play the more aggressive shots, including two sixes on the pull.
Had England collapsed further, it would have wasted a professional bowling performance in which Rashid continued his fine form.
He was the stand-out bowler, but there was also a wicket for Reece Topley on his first England appearance for more than four years, which was deserved after an impressive opening spell in combination with fellow left-arm seamer Willey.
Most ODI wickets for England James Anderson 269 Darren Gough 234 Stuart Broad 178 Andrew Flintoff 168 Adil Rashid 150
Fightback not enough for Ireland
Ireland's fightback with the ball was admirable, but their performances earlier cost them the game.
Like on Thursday, Campher came in at number seven after a top-order failure and dragged them to a score that was still well below par.
In the series opener, the Ireland top order looked to attack but on this occasion they looked unsure and were bogged down at 20-2 after 10 overs. In truth, they could have lost more wickets early on.
From there, Ireland's batsmen were either outdone by Rashid or fell to soft dismissals - such as that of captain Andrew Balbirnie, who feathered through a short ball from part-time bowler James Vince to gift the Hampshire batsman a first international wicket.
Campher was impressive again, showing composure in difficult circumstances and sound technique.
Later in his innings, he showed greater range of shots than on debut, going to his half-century with a scoop over short fine leg, before smashing three boundaries in quick succession off Willey, including a brilliant reverse scoop four.
His continued success and the way Little (3-60) responded to being smashed by Bairstow early on were two of few positives.
'Bairstow realises he belongs' - analysis
Ex-England batsman Michael Carberry on BBC Test Match Special: "I have a lot of admiration for Bairstow. I've seen him at the start of his career and his confidence took a bit of a blow in the 2013-14 Ashes.
"He's a really determined hard worker, he's reshaped his technique, and he's come back a more confident player. What he has now is that sense of belonging - he realises now that he belongs at this level.
"Ireland were better today and there were some bright spots in the innings. Curtis Campher has gone about his work so calmly in both innings. They went into their shell until he came in.
"The lack of runs and lack of impetus at the top of the order, has cost. It's always hard to post a total when you're four or five down inside those first 15 overs."


bbc--2020-08-01--Juve lose to Roma - their first home defeat since April 2018

Champions Juventus suffered a first Serie A home defeat in 40 matches , losing to Roma as they finished only one point clear of Inter Milan .
Juve secured a ninth consecutive title with two games to go , but end the domestic campaign with only two wins in their final eight games .
Gonzalo Higuain gave Maurizio Sarri 's side the lead but Nikola Kalinic headed Roma level before Diego Perotti scored twice to give them the win .
Inter beat Atalanta 2-0 to come second .
Antonio Conte 's Inter were deserved winners with Danilo D'Ambrosio heading them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Young 's excellent curling effort after cutting in from the left wing .
This is the first time Inter have finished second since 2010-11 - and also marks the first time the top two in Serie A were separated by just one point since 2001-02 .
Atalanta failed to score for just the third time in Serie A this season , but finished on 98 goals - the highest total by any team in the Italian top flight in 68 years .
Elsewhere , Zlatan Ibrahimovic , 38 , became the oldest player @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A season as AC Milan beat Cagliari 3-0 .

Last updated on .From the section European Football
Roma are the first team to win a Serie A match at Juventus since Maurizio Sarri's Napoli on 22 April 2018
Champions Juventus suffered a first Serie A home defeat in 40 matches, losing to Roma as they finished only one point clear of Inter Milan.
Juve secured a ninth consecutive title with two games to go, but end the domestic campaign with only two wins in their final eight games.
Gonzalo Higuain gave Maurizio Sarri's side the lead but Nikola Kalinic headed Roma level before Diego Perotti scored twice to give them the win.
Inter beat Atalanta 2-0 to come second.
Antonio Conte's Inter were deserved winners with Danilo D'Ambrosio heading them ahead after 50 seconds, before Ashley Young's excellent curling effort after cutting in from the left wing.
This is the first time Inter have finished second since 2010-11 - and also marks the first time the top two in Serie A were separated by just one point since 2001-02.
Atalanta failed to score for just the third time in Serie A this season, but finished on 98 goals - the highest total by any team in the Italian top flight in 68 years.
Elsewhere, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, 38, became the oldest player to score 10 goals in a Serie A season as AC Milan beat Cagliari 3-0.


bbc--2020-08-01--Fowler, Koepka & Mickelson chasing leader Todd at WGC-St Jude

Last updated on .From the section Golf Brendon Todd will take a one-stroke lead into the final round of the WGC-St Jude Invitational - but a host of star names are chasing the American .
South Korea 's Byeong-hun An is second after four birdies in his last six holes in a round of 66 in Memphis .
Rickie Fowler is another shot back while defending champion Brooks Koepka , Justin Thomas and Phil Mickelson are all within five strokes of the lead .
Todd , who led by two at the halfway stage , opened with a birdie and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a birdie at the eighth thanks to a 22-foot putt .
But he struggled on the back nine with three bogeys and three birdies and faces a final day where a host of star names will seek to hunt him down .
Koepka , who has been out of form since golf restarted , is in contention to retain his title after a 68 to lie on nine under .
Fowler shot a 69 while Thomas and Mickelson carded 66s in what is the final event before the year 's first major , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Matt Fitzpatrick is , like Mickelson , five behind and Open champion Shane Lowry of Ireland is on six under - as is Englishman Tom Lewis after a sizzling 61 .
• None Grace out of US PGA after testing positive for coronavirus

Last updated on .From the section Golf
Todd already has wins in Mexico and Bermuda this season, although they took place in 2019
WGC-FedEx St Jude Invitational third-round leaderboard -12 B Todd (US); -11 Byeong-hun An (Kor); -10 R Fowler (US); -9 B Koepka (US); -8 J Thomas (US) Selected others:-7 P Mickelson (US), M Fitzpatrick (Eng); -6 S Lowry (Ire), T Lewis (Eng); -5 D Johnson (US); -2 G McDowell (NI); -1 B DeChambeau (US); +2 T Fleetwood (Eng), R McIlroy (NI); +5 J Rahm (Spa)
Brendon Todd will take a one-stroke lead into the final round of the WGC-St Jude Invitational - but a host of star names are chasing the American.
Todd, seeking his third PGA Tour title this season, is on 12 under after a 69.
South Korea's Byeong-hun An is second after four birdies in his last six holes in a round of 66 in Memphis.
Rickie Fowler is another shot back while defending champion Brooks Koepka, Justin Thomas and Phil Mickelson are all within five strokes of the lead.
Todd, who led by two at the halfway stage, opened with a birdie and made a bogey at the fifth before a birdie at the eighth thanks to a 22-foot putt.
But he struggled on the back nine with three bogeys and three birdies and faces a final day where a host of star names will seek to hunt him down.
Koepka, who has been out of form since golf restarted, is in contention to retain his title after a 68 to lie on nine under.
Fowler shot a 69 while Thomas and Mickelson carded 66s in what is the final event before the year's first major, the rescheduled US PGA Championship.
England's Matt Fitzpatrick is, like Mickelson, five behind and Open champion Shane Lowry of Ireland is on six under - as is Englishman Tom Lewis after a sizzling 61.
World number one Jon Rahm and Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy are both languishing outside the top 50 after respective rounds of 71 and 73.
McIlroy lies two over, four shots behind his compatriot Graeme McDowell.


bbc--2020-07-31--Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba & Roberto di Matteo - Great Chelsea FA Cup final goals

Watch five of Chelsea 's best FA Cup final goals including a super strike from current Blues boss Frank Lampard @ @ @ @ @ and a screamer from Roberto di Matteo .
Watch the FA Cup final between Arsenal @ @ @ @ @ One & iPlayer from 16:30 BST on Saturday .

Watch five of Chelsea's best FA Cup final goals including a super strike from current Blues boss Frank Lampard, two Didier Drogba corkers and a screamer from Roberto di Matteo.
WATCH MORE: De Gea mistakes send Chelsea to FA Cup final
Watch the FA Cup final between Arsenal and Chelsea live on BBC One & iPlayer from 16:30 BST on Saturday.


bbc--2020-08-02--Nasa SpaceX crew return: Astronauts set for ocean splashdown

US astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken have undocked their Dragon Endeavour capsule from the space station to begin their return to Earth .
The pair are expected to splash down off the coast of Florida just after 14:45 EDT ( 19:45 BST ) on Sunday .
A successful landing would mean America once again has a fully serviceable , fully certified means of getting its own people into orbit and back .
This capability was lost when the country retired its shuttles in 2011 .
• What is the SpaceX Crew Dragon ?
The US space agency Nasa and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chosen a splashdown location well away from Hurricane Isaias , which looks as though it will track up the eastern coast of Florida .
Waiting recovery vessels are therefore being directed to the Gulf of Mexico , to waters off Pensacola in western Florida .
Mission controllers are following strict guidelines on permissible wind and wave conditions , and will study the latest forecasts before giving a final `` go '' for re-entry .
When that happens , Hurley 's and Behnken 's capsule will light its thrusters to begin the drop out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ descent , initially at several kilometres per second , and will see Endeavour experience heating of up 2,000C on its shielded underside as it pushes down through the atmosphere .
Two sets of parachutes are programmed to deploy - a drogue system at about 5,500m ( 18,000ft ) in altitude when the capsule is still moving at approximately 560km/h ; and then four main chutes , at 1,800m in height , which should gently deposit the vehicle on the ocean surface .
As is always the case with a re-entry , there will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as hot gases ( plasma ) temporarily envelop the craft .
It 's 45 years since the last US crewed capsule made an ocean splashdown .
That was an Apollo vehicle which returned to the Pacific after meeting up with a Soviet Soyuz craft above the Earth .
Doug Hurley said he 'd read the reports from the time and discovered that astronauts could experience some nausea when bobbing about on the water waiting for recovery .
`` There are bags if you need them , and we 'll have those handy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We 'll probably have some towels handy as well .
If that needs to happen , it certainly would n't be the first time .
Folks that fly in space know that sometimes going uphill can have an effect on your system and sometimes coming downhill is the same way . ''
• Who are Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken ?
• How is Nasa using commercial partners ?
The astronauts launched to the space station at the end of May .
Their ascent on a Falcon-9 rocket , again provided by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in American spaceflight .
Nasa has decided it will no longer own and operate crew transportation hardware in low-Earth orbit , preferring instead to buy this service off commercial partners .
California 's SpaceX company is the first provider .
Much of its hardware , including parts of the Falcon rocket , is reusable .
This approach had reduced costs , said Nasa Administrator Jim Bridenstine .
`` We established basically the high-level criteria , the requirements , in terms of payload and safety , but we did n't get involved in designing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go and innovate .
That ultimately drove us to a point where we 're now reusing these rockets , reusing the capsules , and of course , we want to apply that to what we do with the Moon and eventually Mars , '' the agency official explained .
The Boeing company is also developing a `` taxi service '' to the space station , but has had to delay its introduction after encountering software problems on its Starliner capsule .
Assuming this demonstration mission is completed successfully with a copybook splashdown , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` operational '' SpaceX flights , perhaps as early as the end of September .
Endeavour will go for refurbishment with the expectation it be put back on a rocket next year .
The crew for this flight , by chance , will include astronaut Megan McArthur , the wife of Bob Behnken .
The husband said he would have some tips on where best to pack personal items in the capsule .
`` Just like on any trip , if you pack things appropriately , it can be fun , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everything at the bottom of the big van that you take on vacation , and you 've got to get it all out one item at a time at various times , it can be tiring and eat into your enjoyment . ''
Hurley and Behnken are bringing back a commemorative US flag that was left on the space station by the crew of the last shuttle mission ( which happened to include Doug Hurley ) .
The Stars and Stripes also flew on the very first shuttle mission in 1981 .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again when America returns astronauts to the Moon later this decade .
Jonathan.Amos-INTERNET @ bbc.co.uk and follow me on Twitter : @ BBCAmos

"What is not common is having passersby approach the vehicle close range with nitrogen tetroxide in the atmosphere; that's not something that is good," he said. "And we need to make sure that we're warning people not to get close to the spacecraft in the future."


bbc--2020-08-02--Coronavirus: Media to be barred from Trump election nomination

The US Republican Party 's vote to nominate its presidential candidate this month will be held in private , without press in attendance .
A Republican National Convention spokeswoman gave coronavirus health guidelines as the reason , the Associated Press reports .
Delegates are due to gather in North Carolina to formally renominate President Donald Trump .
The 336 delegates will meet on 24 August in the city of Charlotte .
They will cast proxy votes for some 2,500 official delegates .
Mr Trump is the party 's sole remaining nominee , and his renomination will officially launch his re-election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ within the parameters set before us by state and local guidelines regarding the number of people who can attend events '' , the spokeswoman said .
• All you need to know about US election • Does Trump have power to delay election ?
The decision marks a significant change for the convention , which historically has worked to draw media attention to spread party messaging to the public .
Mr Trump had switched the location of the convention to Jacksonville , Florida , after the Democratic governor of North Carolina insisted in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the convention , on the grounds of social distancing .
But Mr Trump later scrapped the Florida convention , blaming the state 's coronavirus `` flare-up '' .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • STRESS : How to look after your mental health

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bbc--2020-08-02--Coronavirus: Victoria declares state of disaster after spike in cases

The Australian state of Victoria has declared a state of disaster and imposed new lockdown measures after a surge in coronavirus infections .
Under the new rules , which came into effect at 18:00 ( 08:00 GMT ) , residents of the state capital Melbourne are subject to a night-time curfew .
There will be further restrictions on residents ' ability to leave home .
Australia has been more successful than many other countries in tackling Covid-19 , but cases are rising in Victoria .
The state - Australia 's second most populous state - now accounts for many of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks , prompting the return of lockdown restrictions in early July .
But on Sunday Premier Daniel Andrews said the measures were working but too slowly .
`` We must go harder .
It 's the only way we 'll get to the other side of this , '' he told reporters .
The new rules will remain in place until at least 13 September , Mr Andrews added .
• Why did the virus re-emerge in Melbourne ?
On Sunday , Victoria reported 671 new coronavirus cases and seven deaths .
Those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 123 deaths .
What are the new restrictions ?
The night-time curfew is being implemented across Melbourne from 20:00 to 05:00 .
The only valid reasons for leaving home during these hours will be work , medical care or care-giving .
Melbourne residents will only be allowed to shop and exercise within 5km ( three miles ) of their home .
Exercise outside of the home will only be allowed for one hour at a time .
Only one person per household is allowed to shop for essentials at a time .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spain 's Costa del Sol All students across the state are returning to home-based learning and childcare centres are closed .
Restrictions will also be tightened across regional Victoria from Thursday , with restaurants , cafes , bars and gyms closing from 23:59 on Wednesday .
To ensure these rules are observed , police will be given additional powers , Mr Andrews said .
`` We have got to limit the amount of movement , therefore limiting the amount of transmission of this virus .
We have to clamp down on this , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Victoria become the epicentre of Australia 's outbreak ?
The country has recorded about 17,000 infections and 200 deaths so far - with the majority of these in Victoria .
Initially officials felt optimistic about containing Covid-19 , with lockdowns and mandatory quarantines for people entering the country .
For months , most cases were coming from travellers returning from overseas , but the spike in Melbourne has proved to be a major setback .
Local transmissions have become a key source of infections , putting authorities on the back foot .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back into lockdown amid a military-assisted operation to `` ring-fence '' 10 areas at the centre of the outbreak .
Then , about five million residents of Melbourne were told to stay at home for six weeks .
Initially , Mr Andrews pinpointed the origin of many infections to security guards who reportedly broke lockdown rules while overseeing hotel quarantines .
Health experts say the relaxation of rules , complacency on social distancing and sheer bad luck have all contributed to Victoria 's rise in cases .
Now Mr Andrews says the current @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mystery cases '' that can not be traced back to work or home - is far too high .
`` And they tell us , based on the current number , cases might begin to drop off , not in days or weeks , but months , '' Mr Andrews said .
`` That 's not something I 'm willing to accept . ''
• The 3,000 Australians who were under police guard at home

But on Sunday Premier Daniel Andrews said the measures were working but too slowly. "We must go harder. It's the only way we'll get to the other side of this," he told reporters.


bbc--2020-08-02--Tropical Storm Isaias nears coronavirus-hit Florida

Florida is preparing for Tropical Storm Isaias which is expected to hit the US state later on Sunday .
Isaias , the ninth named storm of 2020 , was downgraded from a hurricane to a tropical storm after battering the Turks & Caicos Islands and the Bahamas .
`` Do n't be fooled by the downgrade , '' Governor Ron DeSantis warned residents .
State authorities have opened shelters and closed beaches and parks .
Florida is one of the US states worst hit by the coronavirus pandemic .
It has recorded more than 480,000 coronavirus cases , the second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ California , which has double the population .
Coronavirus testing centres are being temporarily shut and there are fears the hurricane could hit nursing homes already badly affected by the Covid-19 virus .
• How did Florida get so badly hit by Covid-19 ?
How has Florida been affected so far ?
Early bands of heavy rain lashed the state 's Atlantic coast early on Sunday morning .
The storm is now continuing along the coast with winds gusting up to 110km/hour ( 68mph ) .
A voluntary evacuation order is in place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homes .
Officials are grappling with opening shelters that comply with social distancing regulations and prevent the spread of the virus .
Mr De Santis told residents to anticipate power shortages and to have a week 's supply of food , water and medicine .
Isaias has already uprooted trees , destroyed crops and homes and caused flooding and landslides in the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico .
At least two people have died .

In the latest daily count on Sunday, health officials said there had been 7,104 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total to more than 487,000. This is second only to California, which has double the population.


bbc--2020-08-01--Boys' lemonade stand raises thousands for Yemen crisis

Six year-old Ayaan and Mikaeel , along with their community , have raised more than £37,000 for the Yemen crisis @ @ @ @ @ in Yemen tens of thousands of lives have been lost .
An estimated 24m people @ @ @ @ @ of the country 's population , are now in need of humanitarian aid to survive @ @ @ @ @ crisis is the largest in the world , according to Unicef .
When best friends @ @ @ @ @ , east London , learnt about this they set up a lemonade stand to raise @ @ @ @ @ help .

Six year-old Ayaan and Mikaeel, along with their community, have raised more than £37,000 for the Yemen crisis.
With the ongoing conflict in Yemen tens of thousands of lives have been lost.
An estimated 24m people, equivalent to 80% of the country's population, are now in need of humanitarian aid to survive. The scale of this crisis is the largest in the world, according to Unicef.
When best friends Ayaan and Mikaeel from Redbridge, east London, learnt about this they set up a lemonade stand to raise funds because they wanted to help.
Video by Gem O'Reilly


bbc--2020-08-02--TikTok: Microsoft pauses talks on buying US arm - reports

A possible sale of Chinese-owned TikTok 's US operations to Microsoft is reportedly on hold after Donald Trump vowed to ban the video-sharing app .
A sale was thought close to agreement , but was put in doubt after the US president 's warning on Friday .
The Wall Street Journal said Microsoft had now paused talks despite TikTok owner ByteDance making last ditch efforts to win White House support .
It comes amid criticism of Mr Trump 's threat as an attack on free speech .
The popularity of the short-form video app has soared , with TikTok thought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ users worldwide - and about 80 million in the US - with a huge proportion of these in their teens or early 20s .
But some US politicians are worried the app 's Chinese owner , Bytedance , poses a risk to national security because the app could be used to collect Americans ' personal data .
Regulators have also raised their own safety concerns .
Late on Friday , Mr Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One : `` As far as TikTok is concerned we 're banning them from the United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Saturday , a White House spokesman said : `` The administration has very serious national security concerns over TikTok .
We continue to evaluate future policy . ''
• How would the US go about banning TikTok ?
• Should we be worried about TikTok ?
The Wall Street Journal said Bytedance tried to make significant concessions to the White House , including creating of thousands of jobs over three years .
A sale of the US operation to Microsoft , which owns LinkedIn , would give the US tech giant a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an area dominated by rivals .
The value of TikTok 's US arm has been put at between $ 15bn and $ 30bn ( £11bn-£23bn ) .
According to the Financial Times , some executives at ByteDance believe Mr Trump 's intervention may just be a negotiating ploy to help Microsoft secure a better deal .
TikTok declined to discuss the possible Microsoft deal , but a spokesperson said in a statement on Sunday : `` While we do not comment on rumours or speculation , we are confident in the long-term success @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the company was committed to protecting the privacy and safety of users .
The move to ban TikTok comes at a time of heightened tensions between the Trump administration and the Chinese government over a number of issues , including trade disputes and Beijing 's handling of the coronavirus outbreak .
The president 's announcement on Friday was criticised by some in the tech sector , including former Facebook chief security officer Alex Stamos , who questioned whether the move was spurred by national security concerns .
He tweeted : `` This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sale to an American company would have been considered a radical solution two week ago and , eventually , mitigates any reasonable data protection concerns .
If the White House kills this we know this is n't about national security . ''
Mr Trump was also criticised by the American Civil Liberties Union .
`` Banning an app that millions of Americans use to communicate with each other is a danger to free expression and is technologically impractical , '' said the ACLU 's surveillance and cybersecurity counsel , Jennifer Granick .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it were legally possible to do so , harms freedom of speech online and does nothing to resolve the broader problem of unjustified government surveillance , '' she said in a statement .
On Saturday , in a bid to reassure TikTok 's millions of US users , Vanessa Pappas , the country 's general manager said in a video message : `` We 're not going anywhere .
.
.
We 're here for the long run .
`` When it comes to safety and security , we 're building the safest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right thing to do .
So we appreciate the support . ''

A sale of the US operation to Microsoft, which owns LinkedIn, would give the US tech giant a far greater presence in social media, an area dominated by rivals. The value of TikTok's US arm has been put at between $15bn and $30bn (£11bn-£23bn).


bbc--2020-08-02--Amazon region: Brazil records big increase in fires

Official figures from Brazil have shown a big increase in the number of fires in the Amazon region in July @ @ @ @ @ last year .
Satellite images compiled by Brazil 's National Space Agency revealed there were @ @ @ @ @ 28 % .
President Jair Bolsonaro has encouraged agricultural and mining activities in the Amazon @ @ @ @ @ international investors in early July his government banned starting fires in the region .
The @ @ @ @ @ a repeat of the huge wildfires that shocked the world in August and September last @ @ @ @ @ a terrible sign , '' Ane Alencar , science director at Brazil 's Amazon Environmental @ @ @ @ @ as saying by Reuters news agency .
`` We can expect that August will already @ @ @ @ @ September will be worse yet . ''
Mr Bolsonaro has criticised Brazil 's environmental enforcement @ @ @ @ @ what he describes as excessive fines , and his first year in office saw a @ @ @ @ @ being imposed for environmental violations .
The agency remains underfunded and understaffed .

Mr Bolsonaro has criticised Brazil's environmental enforcement agency, Ibama, for what he describes as excessive fines, and his first year in office saw a sharp drop in financial penalties being imposed for environmental violations. The agency remains underfunded and understaffed.


bbc--2020-08-02--Nick Kyrgios withdraws from US Open because of coronavirus concerns

Last updated on .From the section Tennis Nick Kyrgios has withdrawn from the US Open because of the coronavirus pandemic , saying it `` hurts me at my core '' to miss the tournament .
In a video on social media , Kyrgios , 25 , also criticised the behaviour of some players during the pandemic .
`` Let 's take a breath here and remember what 's important , which is health and safety as a community , '' said Kyrgios .
`` We can rebuild our sport and the economy , but we can never recover lives lost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of fans could mean better behaviour on court - and why tennis loves a bit of player rage The world number 40 added : `` It hurts me at my core not to be out there competing in one of the sport 's greatest arenas , Arthur Ashe Stadium .
`` But I 'm sitting out for the people , for my Aussies , for the hundreds and thousands of Americans that have lost their lives , for all of you .
It 's my decision . ''
Last month , the Australian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ USTA ) was `` selfish '' for staging the New York tournament , which starts on 31 August .
The event is set to be held without fans at Flushing Meadows with players having to follow strict measures .
Murray 'willing to risk ' playing in US after injury problems Britain 's former world number one Andy Murray is planning to play , saying he is `` willing to take a risk '' after being hampered by injury in recent years .
The 33-year-old Scot has played singles in only two of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Wimbledon in 2017 , after two major hip operations .
`` The situation I 've been in the last few years I 've not had the opportunity to play in many Slams , '' said Murray , who won the first of his three Grand Slam titles at the 2012 US Open .
`` I do n't know how many opportunities I 'll have left to play in Slams , so while I 'm feeling relatively decent , I want to try and play in them and enjoy the biggest events again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Kyrgios says he does not have a problem with the USTA or for players wanting to compete `` so long as everyone acts appropriately and acts safely '' .
Kyrgios has been a critic of men 's world number one Novak Djokovic 's decision to stage exhibition events during the pandemic , with a number of players who took part then testing positive for the virus , including the Serb .
`` Tennis players , you have to act in the interest of each other and work together , '' added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dancing on tables , money grabbing your way around Europe or trying to make a quick buck hosting an exhibition .
That 's just so selfish .
Think of the other people for once , that is what this virus is about , it does n't care about your world ranking or how much money you have . ''
Kyrgios ' decision is no surprise , but the timing very pertinent on the day the Australian city of Melbourne announced a nightly curfew .
Another Australian , the world number one Ashleigh Barty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week , and there are likely to be more omissions when the entry list is published in the next few days .
Kyrgios does not take issue with the US Open itself going ahead : his argument is with those playing fast and loose with the rules .
And once again , in this social media post , he highlights what he considers irresponsible and selfish behaviour by some of those involved in recent exhibition matches in Europe and the United States .
• None Alerts : Get tennis news sent to your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the biggest names in dance

Last updated on .From the section Tennis
Kyrgios has never got past the third round of the US Open
Nick Kyrgios has withdrawn from the US Open because of the coronavirus pandemic, saying it "hurts me at my core" to miss the tournament.
Fellow Australian and women's world number one Ashleigh Barty withdrew earlier this week.
In a video on social media, external-link Kyrgios, 25, also criticised the behaviour of some players during the pandemic.
"Let's take a breath here and remember what's important, which is health and safety as a community," said Kyrgios.
"We can rebuild our sport and the economy, but we can never recover lives lost."
The world number 40 added: "It hurts me at my core not to be out there competing in one of the sport's greatest arenas, Arthur Ashe Stadium.
"But I'm sitting out for the people, for my Aussies, for the hundreds and thousands of Americans that have lost their lives, for all of you. It's my decision."
Last month, the Australian said the United States Tennis Association (USTA) was "selfish" for staging the New York tournament, which starts on 31 August.
The event is set to be held without fans at Flushing Meadows with players having to follow strict measures.
Murray 'willing to risk' playing in US after injury problems
Britain's former world number one Andy Murray is planning to play, saying he is "willing to take a risk" after being hampered by injury in recent years.
The 33-year-old Scot has played singles in only two of the past 10 Grand Slams, stretching back to Wimbledon in 2017, after two major hip operations.
"The situation I've been in the last few years I've not had the opportunity to play in many Slams," said Murray, who won the first of his three Grand Slam titles at the 2012 US Open.
"I don't know how many opportunities I'll have left to play in Slams, so while I'm feeling relatively decent, I want to try and play in them and enjoy the biggest events again. I've missed that a lot."
Kyrgios says he does not have a problem with the USTA or for players wanting to compete "so long as everyone acts appropriately and acts safely".
Kyrgios has been a critic of men's world number one Novak Djokovic's decision to stage exhibition events during the pandemic, with a number of players who took part then testing positive for the virus, including the Serb.
"Tennis players, you have to act in the interest of each other and work together," added Kyrgios.
"You can't be dancing on tables, money grabbing your way around Europe or trying to make a quick buck hosting an exhibition. That's just so selfish. Think of the other people for once, that is what this virus is about, it doesn't care about your world ranking or how much money you have."
Analysis
Russell Fuller, BBC tennis correspondent
Kyrgios' decision is no surprise, but the timing very pertinent on the day the Australian city of Melbourne announced a nightly curfew.
Another Australian, the world number one Ashleigh Barty, withdrew from the US Open last week, and there are likely to be more omissions when the entry list is published in the next few days.
Kyrgios does not take issue with the US Open itself going ahead: his argument is with those playing fast and loose with the rules.
And once again, in this social media post, he highlights what he considers irresponsible and selfish behaviour by some of those involved in recent exhibition matches in Europe and the United States.


bbc--2020-08-02--In pictures: Europe swelters under near-record temperatures

Much of Europe has been basking in a mini-heat wave since Friday , and countries like the UK , France @ @ @ @ @ temperatures .
But with lockdowns and social distancing measures in place across the continent , @ @ @ @ @ no other .
The authorities in Rome warned the elderly and children not to go @ @ @ @ @ of the day because of dangerous temperatures

Image caption,
The authorities in Rome warned the elderly and children not to go out at the hottest times of the day because of dangerous temperatures


bbc--2020-08-02--Can summer survive America's coronavirus spike?

America 's first coronavirus surge nearly wiped out the summer season on Cape Cod , one of the most popular summer destinations in the US .
Now there is talk about a second wave - will this imperil the vacation spot 's escape ?
When the pandemic hit the US in March , Sarah Sherman , owner of Hopper Real Estate in Eastham - a holiday home rental business on the Cape - saw her summer season erased with cancellations .
But by mid-July , her business had revived - despite the number of cases in the country setting records @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 16 bookings in just two days - a number unheard of in a typical year .
`` It 's definitely feeling like summer , '' she says .
The return of visitors was a major relief to Ms Sherman and business owners like her across Cape Cod , a peninsula that juts off Massachusetts into the Atlantic Ocean that was made famous as the summer playground of the Kennedys .
Cold and grey in the winter , it is dependent economically on the summer months , when its population doubles and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to sunbathe , cycle and gorge on lobster and fried clams .
As the country went into lockdown , reservations `` just stopped '' , she recalls .
`` We were like , 'Oh my god , what is going to happen ? '
'' `` We did n't know whether there was going to be a summer . ''
Families with second homes de-camped for extended stays earlier in the year than usual .
Renters soon followed , as a long spring in lockdown created pent-up demand , particularly for places like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travel by car .
By the 4 July holiday weekend - typically one of the busiest in the year - occupancy rates at hotels were above 90 % .
But as case counts rise elsewhere in the country , Ms Sherman says it is too early to say if the area 's economy has escaped .
`` As we watch the rest of the country spike , we 're like , 'If that happens here , that could close down the rest of our summer really quickly . '
'' Economists have warned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be stalling , even in places , like Massachusetts , which have so far escaped a sharp rise in cases .
Spending has flattened across the country since the 4 July holiday , and remains down more than 6 % since January , according to data from a team of researchers at Harvard University , who found the pullback has been driven by wealthy families and led to significant job loss at businesses in neighbourhoods that cater to such a clientele .
For a place like the Cape , which relies on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely to be significant , says Karen Dynan , a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics .
Wealthy families are more likely to have been spared job and income cuts , which could help spending bounce back when people feel safe again .
But it 's not clear how many businesses will be able to survive until then , she says .
`` We 're just beginning to see the longer term harm to the economy , '' she says .
Many restaurants and other stores are offering off 20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and dine out less .
At Scargo Cafe in Dennis , takeaway and outdoor tables have helped to maintain business , but with a nearby cinema and theatre closed , co-owner David Troutman says it 's nothing like a typical summer , when people pack three deep at the bar and wait for an hour to be seated .
Many of his 73 staff are working part-time and he did n't hire extra seasonal help .
`` Whether it 's a good economy or bad economy or the pandemic , [ second-home owners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matter what , '' he says .
`` But people are unquestionably afraid to come into the building ... .
It 's certainly not as busy . ''
The subdued tone is especially evident in Provincetown , a small town on the tip of the Cape whose art galleries and restaurants are typically jammed with visitors .
Mike Carroll , owner of the Schoolhouse Gallery , says he has reduced public hours and cut back his staff from three to one , opting to handle most things himself .
`` It 's really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day because the news is not good , '' he says .
`` Our visitor population will be down , business will definitely be down and the seasonal aspect of it will definitely make it more acute . ''
Though her family has retreated to its second home on the Cape almost every weekend since March - much earlier than usual - activities have been largely limited to beach-going and pool-time at the grandparents ' .
And she knows that will take a toll .
`` There are definitely major changes to how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who described her economic outlook as `` dismal '' .
`` I hope that next summer will be a summer of a lot of new restaurants .
I hope that we 'll see a new sort of economy , '' she says .
`` But I think what we 're probably going to see next summer is a lot of empty places . ''

Spending has flattened across the country since the 4 July holiday, and remains down more than 6% since January, according to data from a team of researchers at Harvard University, who found the pullback has been driven by wealthy families and led to significant job loss at businesses in neighbourhoods that cater to such a clientele.


bbc--2020-08-01--FA Cup final: The Wembley showpiece that deserved so much more

Arsenal 's coach arrived at Wembley for the Heads Up FA Cup final to be greeted by a small group of observers and one middle-aged supporter waving a large flag .
The Gunners ' match-winner Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang concluded the victory celebrations by stepping down alone from the winners ' podium , scrambling his way through gold streamers scattered on the turf before taking polite applause from those left inside a virtually deserted national stadium .
In between , Arsenal 's world-class striker delivered a match-winning virtuoso display against Chelsea to settle a final that deserved to be played out in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ famous arena - not a select few on the first occasion the great domestic showpiece has been played behind closed doors .
Many games have been accompanied by a surreal air since `` Project Restart '' took the sport out of its hiatus caused by the coronavirus pandemic - none more so than this final , the game that traditionally provides the grand conclusion to the domestic season .
• Arsenal v Chelsea : How you rated the players In the hours before the kick-off , it was almost like a ghost town @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pomp and excitement and buzzing FA Cup final atmosphere as it is possible to get .
There were touches of the old ceremonials , such as the rendition of the FA Cup final anthem 'Abide With Me ' delivered in pre-recorded fashion by Emeli Sande with dramatic pictures of her standing on the roof beamed into the stadium via the giant screens .
No pre-match presentations to members of the Royal Family .
No smart suits for players or managers .
It is not sour or unromantic but simple reality to record that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ FA Cup final .
This was a game that deserved to be played out before a full house not 90,000 empty red seats .
It had a winning goal that deserved the glorious roar of appreciation reserved for such match-winning moments .
And Arsenal 's players deserved to walk up Wembley 's steps to receive the trophy , rather than having to receive their medals on the pitch .
Aubameyang deserved that small ovation as he made his way back to the dressing room because he was the focal point of an Arsenal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ superb start for manager Arteta , who only succeeded Unai Emery in December and had to deal with a three-month break in the season .
What they must do now is put together a package attractive enough to make sure Aubameyang is also part of future successes .
Arsenal will want to do business this summer to shape the new era under Arteta - but the most crucial business above all is keeping Aubameyang .
The wins over Premier League champions Liverpool and against last season 's FA Cup winners Manchester City in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ steel and character from this Arsenal side .
They were on show here as they took the early blow of Christian Pulisic 's goal on the chin and pieced together a display that allowed them to recover and deservedly just edge this game .
It was a day of huge significance for Arteta .
He has tangible reward for his work early in his reign , during which Arsenal 's players have bought into his methods and he has demonstrated ruthlessly that it is his way or no way by the manner in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been exiled .
The pair were nowhere near this occasion or celebrations and appear to have no part to play under the new regime .
It should also be said that much of the things that could go wrong for Chelsea did go wrong , from injuries to captain Cesar Azpilicueta and Pulisic to a second yellow card for Mateo Kovacic that looked to be a totally mystifying decision from referee Anthony Taylor .
Yes , this was a surreal day - but set that aside and Arsenal and their young manager , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conclusion , will start the new campaign with optimism renewed and a trophy to parade after this landmark triumph .

Arsenal's coach arrived at Wembley for the Heads Up FA Cup final to be greeted by a small group of observers and one middle-aged supporter waving a large flag.
The Gunners' match-winner Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang concluded the victory celebrations by stepping down alone from the winners' podium, scrambling his way through gold streamers scattered on the turf before taking polite applause from those left inside a virtually deserted national stadium.
In between, Arsenal's world-class striker delivered a match-winning virtuoso display against Chelsea to settle a final that deserved to be played out in front of a full house in the famous arena - not a select few on the first occasion the great domestic showpiece has been played behind closed doors.
Many games have been accompanied by a surreal air since "Project Restart" took the sport out of its hiatus caused by the coronavirus pandemic - none more so than this final, the game that traditionally provides the grand conclusion to the domestic season.
A small number of Arsenal fans celebrate on Wembley Way after the club secure a record 14th FA Cup triumph
'Wembley ghost town'
In the hours before the kick-off, it was almost like a ghost town - as far away from the usual pomp and excitement and buzzing FA Cup final atmosphere as it is possible to get.
There were touches of the old ceremonials, such as the rendition of the FA Cup final anthem 'Abide With Me' delivered in pre-recorded fashion by Emeli Sande with dramatic pictures of her standing on the roof beamed into the stadium via the giant screens.
No pre-match presentations to members of the Royal Family. No smart suits for players or managers.
It is not sour or unromantic but simple reality to record that this did not feel like the normal FA Cup final.
The final was played at a near-empty Wembley
'A final fit for 90,000 fans'
This was a game that deserved to be played out before a full house not 90,000 empty red seats. It had a winning goal that deserved the glorious roar of appreciation reserved for such match-winning moments.
And Arsenal's players deserved to walk up Wembley's steps to receive the trophy, rather than having to receive their medals on the pitch.
'I can't even talk' - Martinez in tears after FA Cup win
Aubameyang deserved that small ovation as he made his way back to the dressing room because he was the focal point of an Arsenal performance and success that makes it a superb start for manager Arteta, who only succeeded Unai Emery in December and had to deal with a three-month break in the season.
What they must do now is put together a package attractive enough to make sure Aubameyang is also part of future successes.
'A day of huge significance for Arteta'
Arsenal will want to do business this summer to shape the new era under Arteta - but the most crucial business above all is keeping Aubameyang.
The wins over Premier League champions Liverpool and against last season's FA Cup winners Manchester City in the semi-final showed previously well-hidden reserves of steel and character from this Arsenal side.
They were on show here as they took the early blow of Christian Pulisic's goal on the chin and pieced together a display that allowed them to recover and deservedly just edge this game.
It was a day of huge significance for Arteta.
He has tangible reward for his work early in his reign, during which Arsenal's players have bought into his methods and he has demonstrated ruthlessly that it is his way or no way by the manner in which Mesut Ozil and Matteo Guendouzi have been exiled. The pair were nowhere near this occasion or celebrations and appear to have no part to play under the new regime.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang wheels away in celebration after hitting Arsenal's winner against Chelsea
It should also be said that much of the things that could go wrong for Chelsea did go wrong, from injuries to captain Cesar Azpilicueta and Pulisic to a second yellow card for Mateo Kovacic that looked to be a totally mystifying decision from referee Anthony Taylor.
Yes, this was a surreal day - but set that aside and Arsenal and their young manager, crowning his first season with the perfect conclusion, will start the new campaign with optimism renewed and a trophy to parade after this landmark triumph.


bbc--2020-08-01--Aubameyang 'would cost zillions to replace' - but will he stay at FA Cup winners Arsenal?

He would `` cost zillions to replace '' and manager Mikel Arteta wants to `` build his squad around him '' - but will Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang stay at Arsenal ?
The striker scored another two goals in Arsenal 's memorable victory over Chelsea in Saturday 's FA Cup final - securing their place in next season 's Europa League in the process .
He became just the fifth player to score two or more goals in a cup match at Wembley on more than one occasion , joining former Arsenal striker Ian Wright , Bryan Robson , Ian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ love him , the manager loves him ... but , with just one year left on his contract , has the 31-year-old Gabon striker played his last game for the Gunners ?
• How you rated the players 'He is our talisman' When pressed about the forward 's future , Arteta said he thinks Aubameyang will stay .
`` He knows what I think about him .
I want to build the squad around him .
I think he wants to stay and it is just about getting the deal done , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think these moments will help him to realise and believe that we are on the right path and he is a big part of that .
He is loved by everybody at the club .
Hopefully he can continue with us . ''
But Aubameyang was more coy .
He said there was `` nothing '' to say before running off to lift the trophy .
Meanwhile , teammates Rob Holding and an emotional Emiliano Martinez were full of praise for their skipper .
`` Aubameyang seems to do it on the break @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our talisman and has done it all season , '' said Holding .
`` I said to him [ Aubameyang ] before the game , you are going to win us the game , '' added Martinez , who was crying at full-time .
Aubameyang won and converted a penalty for Arsenal 's equaliser in the 28th-minute , cancelling out Christian Pulisic 's early opener for Chelsea .
But it was his second goal which really caught the eye , prompting former England international Danny Murphy , the co-commentator for BBC , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
`` That finish from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was absolutely sensational , '' said Murphy .
`` We have seen how important it is today for Arsenal to keep him .
It 's a beautiful , beautiful finish . ''
Premier League winner Chris Sutton added on BBC Radio 5 Live : `` Aubameyang would cost zillions to replace .
Absolute zillions .
You can see why Arsenal want to keep him .
`` It is absolutely genius .
He drifts past Kurt Zouma and dinks the ball over Willy Caballero .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an absolute work of art .
It 's sad Wembley does not have any fans in it . ''
And former Newcastle captain Alan Shearer said Aubameyang was `` red hot '' .
But his trophy-lifting skills need some work ... 'When are they erecting the statue ? '
How you reacted on social media Chris Lord : Aubameyang showed the world why he is n't a goalkeeper and a world class finisher tonight .
Sign the new contract Auba !
Champions again !
Bentemisonn : When are they erecting the Aubameyang statue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arsenal .
BigGoonerLad : I can not imagine life without him - pls plls pls Aubameyang put us all at rest and sign da ting .
Sandra Singh : What a great day for the Arsenal !
So happy for all the team especially Emiliano Martinez and of course the unstoppable Aubameyang .
Gentleman : It would be Arsenal 's biggest loss if they let Auba walk away .
They should renew his contract right away with improved package .
Njenga : Aubameyang was sensational , the way he scored that second goal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an Aubameyang FA Cup special • Aubameyang has now scored 13 goals for Arsenal in 2020 .
The only other player to have scored at least 13 goals for an English club this year is Said Benrahma , who has netted 14 for Championship side Brentford .
• He is the second Arsenal player to score twice in an FA Cup final , after Reg Lewis in 1950 .
• The striker is only the second player in the last 15 FA Cup finals to score a penalty , after Eden Hazard for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• At 31 years and 44 days , Aubameyang is the second-oldest goalscorer for Arsenal in the FA Cup , after Robert John in 1932 ( 33 years and 80 days ) .


bbc--2020-08-02--Broad '100%' considered retirement after being dropped for first West Indies Test

England seam bowler Stuart Broad says he considered retirement after being dropped for last month 's opening Test of the summer against West Indies .
Broad , 34 , was left out at Southampton , where West Indies won by four wickets .
He returned for the final two Tests , both won by England , and took 16 wickets to pass 500 for his career .
`` Were there thoughts of retirement going round my head ?
100 % .
Because I was so down , '' Broad told the Mail on Sunday .
`` I was expecting to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a dangerous thing in sport but I felt I deserved to play .
`` When Stokesy [ Ben Stokes ] told me I was n't playing , I felt my body go into shakes .
I could barely speak . ''
Only six other bowlers in history have taken more Test wickets than Broad , who has played 140 Test matches .
The 16 wickets he took in the final two Tests against West Indies at Old Trafford came at an average of 10.93 .
He added : `` I have not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so down that week of the first Test , I was really low .
I was stuck in that hotel .
I could n't go anywhere .
It was n't like I could go back to [ girlfriend ] Mollie and have a barbeque and chill out and reassess .
`` I did n't sleep for two days .
I was nowhere .
A different decision could definitely have been made with my emotions of how I was feeling . ''
Broad , who is now targeting 600 Test wickets , also revealed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ England in the first Test in the absence of Joe Root , then played a key role .
`` Stokesy knocked on my door on the Thursday night and stayed in the corridor to talk to me .
He said : 'This is n't about cricket , but how are you , mate ? '
That was very impressive for him to do . ''
Broad made his Test debut in 2007 and for most of his career has been bracketed with new ball partner Anderson , 38 , England 's record Test @ @ @ @ @ @ @ having made his debut in 2003 .
`` Do I think I 'm in England 's best XI ?
Absolutely .
Do I think Jimmy Anderson is in England 's best XI ?
Absolutely , '' he said .
`` There is no doubt that Jimmy and I have got better .
No doubt .
`` The last 18 months , I have been averaging 20.5 per wicket in Test cricket .
Take age out of that .
If anyone were doing that at any age , you would want to keep them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past it . ''
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England seam bowler Stuart Broad says he considered retirement after being dropped for last month's opening Test of the summer against West Indies.
Broad, 34, was left out at Southampton, where West Indies won by four wickets.
He returned for the final two Tests, both won by England, and took 16 wickets to pass 500 for his career.
"Were there thoughts of retirement going round my head? 100%. Because I was so down," Broad told the Mail on Sunday. external-link
"I was expecting to play, which is always a bit of a dangerous thing in sport but I felt I deserved to play.
"When Stokesy [Ben Stokes] told me I wasn't playing, I felt my body go into shakes. I could barely speak."
Only six other bowlers in history have taken more Test wickets than Broad, who has played 140 Test matches.
The 16 wickets he took in the final two Tests against West Indies at Old Trafford came at an average of 10.93.
He added: "I have not really told anyone this but I was so down that week of the first Test, I was really low. I was stuck in that hotel. I couldn't go anywhere. It wasn't like I could go back to [girlfriend] Mollie and have a barbeque and chill out and reassess.
"I didn't sleep for two days. I was nowhere. A different decision could definitely have been made with my emotions of how I was feeling."
Broad, who is now targeting 600 Test wickets, also revealed that Stokes, who was captaining in England in the first Test in the absence of Joe Root, then played a key role.
"Stokesy knocked on my door on the Thursday night and stayed in the corridor to talk to me. He said: 'This isn't about cricket, but how are you, mate?' That was very impressive for him to do."
Broad made his Test debut in 2007 and for most of his career has been bracketed with new ball partner Anderson, 38, England's record Test wicket-taker, who has 589 wickets, having made his debut in 2003.
"Do I think I'm in England's best XI? Absolutely. Do I think Jimmy Anderson is in England's best XI? Absolutely," he said.
"There is no doubt that Jimmy and I have got better. No doubt.
"The last 18 months, I have been averaging 20.5 per wicket in Test cricket. Take age out of that. If anyone were doing that at any age, you would want to keep them around for a bit and not look past it."