bbc--2020-07-16--India coronavirus: Delhi breathes again as Covid-19 cases dip

India 's capital , Delhi , has seen a sharp dip in coronavirus case numbers in recent weeks .
Is one of the country 's biggest hotspots actually close to flattening the curve ?
Aparna Alluri finds out more .
Two weeks ago , Delhi was scrambling to fight a pandemic that appeared to be spiralling out of control .
June had been a terrible month for the city - with record surges almost every day , it accounted for most of case load in the capital territory up to that point .
Overrun labs and public hospitals added to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conflicting information from the state and central governments .
By the end of the month , Delhi responded with a flurry of measures , from door-to-door health check-ups to increased testing , with the use of antigen tests , which are rapid but less reliable than the more widely-used RT-PCR tests .
• Is India the next global hotspot ?
• The struggle to keep India 's Covid patients breathing These efforts seem to be paying off , says K Srinath Reddy , president of the Public Health Foundation of India and member @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's daily case count has been dropping sharply , even as testing remains consistent .
This week it has recorded 1,200 to 1,600 new cases a day - about half of its daily count in the last week of June , when it was reporting more than 3,000 new cases a day .
While Maharashtra , the state with the highest case load , continues to see a rise , Tamil Nadu , also a major hotspot , is seeing a more gradual decline in daily case numbers .
As far as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is cautious .
`` There are two explanations .
One is that this is a genuine fall [ in cases ] .
The other is that some of this is the result of the fact that they are using a lot of antigen tests . ''
That is , if antigen tests account for most of Delhi 's increased testing rates , they may be missing a lot of cases , driving the case numbers down .
Antigen tests are fast - they give results in minutes , unlike the RT-PCR test , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ takes hours to generate a result .
The crucial difference between the two is that they look for different parts of the virus as evidence of infection .
The antigen test looks for viral proteins whose presence is taken as proof of infection .
But their absence does not mean the person is not infected .
The RT-PCR test , on the other hand , looks for the RNA of the virus , which is a far more reliable indicator .
In fact , India 's current testing guidelines require that anyone who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retested with an RT-PCR kit .
So the question is how many tests of each kind is Delhi doing , and is everyone being retested ?
That data is not publicly available , leaving experts wondering how much of Delhi 's `` turnaround '' could be the result of a poor testing strategy .
`` I am inclined to believe there is a drop in cases , an observation that is bolstered by the falling deaths , '' says Prof Reddy .
Delhi 's reported Covid-19 daily deaths have fallen from 62 at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this week .
It has now dipped below even Tamil Nadu , which has consistently reported fewer Covid-19 deaths than Delhi or Maharashtra since the pandemic began .
While most experts , including Prof Reddy , agree that deaths are being under-reported , he says there is no reason to assume more deaths are being under-reported now than before .
Experts see deaths as the second-best measure after confirmed cases , given the inconsistency of testing data .
Prof Reddy also points to the fact that the Delhi government has taken concrete steps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to some degree , irrespective of the extent of testing with antigen kits .
`` There is more emphasis on public health , more household visits , more testing , better public communication , '' he says .
`` The public alarm helped , and there is a lot more energy in the system , and much better co-ordination between the centre and the state . ''
But at the same time , he says , it 's too early to call this a turnaround .
Only a continued drop in numbers - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as evidence of a promising sign .
Instead , he adds , the focus should be on improving hospital admissions and access to speedy treatment to lower deaths .
`` That will also give confidence to people to self-report if they have symptoms . ''
But Delhi may not be the focus of attention for too long as cases are rising fast in other parts of the country .
Southern states such as Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh are seeing some of the steepest rises .
Telangana too saw a rapid rise in cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been inconsistent .
Tamil Nadu 's dip in cases might be the result of a strict state-wide lockdown for two weeks but it also has one of the country 's highest testing rates , and it 's only using RT-PCR kits .
`` During the lockdown , they had fever camps , suspected cases were referred to testing centres , transportation was provided , '' says Manoj Murhekar , director of the National Institute of Epidemiology in Chennai ( Madras ) , the state 's capital .
`` But it 's too early @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he adds .
Maharashtra continues to see a rise in daily case numbers - its capital city , Mumbai , has started to register a gradual decline , but surrounding districts , such as Thane , and Pune and other cities in the state are seeing spikes .
`` After the lockdown , the movement of people was much more than what the government anticipated , '' says Subhash R Salunke , an adviser to the state government on its Covid-19 response .
`` But my worry is the deaths .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Maharashtra has more Covid-19 fatalities than any state in India - and deaths have been rising too .
`` You will see a downward trend in Mumbai definitely , '' Dr Salunke says .
`` But this is not going to be over soon . ''
Data and analysis by Shadab Nazmi and Aparna Alluri

The crucial difference between the two is that they look for different parts of the virus as evidence of infection. The antigen test looks for viral proteins whose presence is taken as proof of infection. But their absence does not mean the person is not infected. The RT-PCR test, on the other hand, looks for the RNA of the virus, which is a far more reliable indicator.


bbc--2020-07-16--Ellie Goulding: 'I'd just become a robot'

Ellie Goulding 's new album opens with the sound of a crowd going wild , recorded at a festival date on the star 's 2016/17 Delirium tour .
It might have been Glastonbury , it might have been Rock In Rio , but the location is n't important .
Wherever she was , Goulding was drained and tired and unhappy .
`` I 'd just become a robot that was able to walk on stage and perform energetically and wildly , '' she says .
`` But actually I was just exhausted , and I do n't remember any of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to enjoy anything properly . ''
Her memories are so blurred that she recently wrote to her tour manager to see if he 'd kept copies of her schedule , `` so I can at least have a trigger to remember all the places I 've been to '' .
`` There was a real temporary-ness to my life , '' she says .
`` It was all about survival .
I did n't really get to understand who I was at the time . ''
• James Bay on the 'fantastic drama @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Goulding should have been on top of the world .
After topping the BBC 's Sound of ... list in 2010 , her career had gone stratospheric .
Her debut album Lights hit number one in the UK and the title track went five-times platinum in the US , launching her career over there .
She played at the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge 's wedding reception , topped festival bills , scored a Grammy nomination for Love Me Like You Do and soundtracked the John Lewis Christmas advert .
But when it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Delirium , she felt she was being pushed in the wrong direction by her management .
She was bundled into writing sessions with A-list writers like Greg Kurstin ( Adele , Paul McCartney ) , Ryan Tedder ( Lady Gaga , Beyonce ) and Max Martin ( everyone other significant pop artist of the last 30 years ) .
At the time , she said she viewed the album `` as an experiment '' in making a `` big pop album '' , telling the NME : `` I made a conscious decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another level '' .
But deep down , she was still the same bedroom musician who 'd accidentally kick-started a career by making friends with dance producers on MySpace .
The glossy pop sound and figure-hugging costumes never felt entirely comfortable .
`` It was like , 'Okay , so maybe I 'm meant to suddenly become this ginormous pop star that has dancers and glitter and God knows what else on tour , ' and I really enjoyed playing that role for a bit , but I did n't like wearing those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deep down , it was n't me . ''
' I had to get away' Suffering a form of impostor syndrome , Goulding grew dismissive of Delirium , even as it went platinum in the UK .
`` I think it made other people write off the album , too '' she says .
`` But looking back , it actually is a really brilliant pop record .
I just think it perhaps was n't an Ellie Goulding record . ''
As a two-year-long tour dragged on , the singer became more and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ music altogether .
`` It got to a point where I really had to go away from it all , '' she told ITV 's This Morning last year .
`` I thought for a second , 'Maybe I can just quietly go away . '
'' She took two years out of the spotlight , throwing herself into campaigns for homelessness and climate change while she put music on the back burner .
Along the way she also fell in love with art dealer Caspar Jopling , who she married at York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to her previous high-profile relationships with Niall Horan and Ed Sheeran , the couple are unbothered by the tabloids , living in the `` sickeningly beautiful countryside '' of Oxfordshire while Jopling , who 's also an international rower , studies for an MBA at Oxford University .
During the lockdown , Goulding has even been baking cakes for charity .
She gives us a guided Zoom tour of her kitchen , where every work surface is covered in baking trays and cooling racks , laden with brownies and flapjacks and muffins .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ staring at me , '' she laughs .
`` They 're piercing into my soul . ''
Time away from music meant Goulding `` really had a chance to just be and live '' .
She began to feel more settled about herself and her music ; and arranged what she jokingly refers to as `` an amicable uncoupling '' with her old managers .
Then , towards the end of 2018 , she started working on what would become her fourth album , Brightest Blue .
Deeper and more emotional than anything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ruins of the last five years - all the vulnerabilities and insecurities , the sadness and the drinking and the falling in love , that it took to get to a place of renewal .
It opens , because it has to , with those sampled crowd noises and an explanation of Goulding 's extended musical absence .
`` Feel like I 've been barely living , '' she sings on Start .
`` I 'm thinking about a new beginning / It 's never too late to start again . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ album - most notably on the stirring Love I 'm Given , where Goulding begs forgiveness for `` the things I 've done '' and `` the ones I 've hurt '' .
The lyrics came to her out of nowhere , and she did n't really appreciate what she was singing about until the song was finished .
`` I listened back to it I was like , 'Sorry , what did I do again ?
What did I do wrong ? '
`` But I think I 'm referring to how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way that I 'm proud of , or mistreated people , '' says the singer .
The singer , who 's had therapy to deal with anger issues , says those bad attitudes stemmed from her own feelings of inadequacy and stress .
`` I think it was the person I tried to create in order to cope with what I was doing - which was , you know , trying to be a million things at once and trying to cope with the job , and then the parallel of celebrity running @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 've managed to unravel those things and almost , like , chip them off , I can finally give the right kind of love .
`` And so the song 's about the idea that you get the love that you give out . ''
• Ellie Goulding : ' I used alcohol to be more interesting' Goulding 's new-found confidence can be heard in the experimental arrangements of songs like Wine Drunk and Bleach , and the intricately-layered vocals and transcendental strings of the title track , Brightest Blue .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a trip to a New York gallery last year , where Goulding found herself in a room bathed in soothing , blue light .
`` I walked into this light show and it completely took over .
You can feel this warmth in it , it 's really strange , '' she says .
`` The next day I went to the studio with my engineer and I said , 'Okay I really want to write about this brightest blue that I had , ' and the song just kind of came out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heard it [ finished ] with the strings and everything , I just I literally cried and I do n't do that .
I do n't get emotional at my own music like that - but that song just feels like a new beginning . ''
Goulding is so confident in the new music that she 's split the album into two `` sides '' - the first 13 tracks are the intimate , largely self-written songs that lay her fragility bare .
The flip side , dubbed `` Eg.0 '' showcases a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a raft of chart-bothering collaborations with with Lauv , Swae Lee and the late Juice WRLD .
But she insists the latter songs - all previously-released - have n't just been tacked on to boost sales .
`` I ca n't then just disown them , and pretend they did n't exist , '' she says , `` and it 's important to me to show my craft as a pop writer .
`` You know , I can write big bloody pop songs and sing them quite well , as well .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ I am as an artist , so I 'd say Brightest Blue is much more of a reflection of my indulgences with classical music and layering boatloads of vocals on top of each other . ''
Early reviews suggest the album will re-establish Goulding as one of Britain 's top pop stars .
The independent called it `` a career-best '' while The Line Of Best Fit said the early songs , in particular , showcase the 33-year-old `` at her most honest , and her most heartfelt '' .
`` I 'm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a musician , and as a songwriter because that 's what I 've always been , '' says the singer .
`` So it 's really nice at this point to feel like I 've come out of what was a really chaotic [ period ] of being known as a celebrity to now , just being known as a musician .
`` It just feels different .
It feels like there is n't an obsession over ... over the things that do n't really matter any more . ''
Brightest Blue is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Facebook , or on Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts .
If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

"I think it was the person I tried to create in order to cope with what I was doing - which was, you know, trying to be a million things at once and trying to cope with the job, and then the parallel of celebrity running alongside it.


bbc--2020-07-16--Echoes of Empire: Aboriginal Australians and the legacy of colonialism

The death of George Floyd in the US has also hit home in Australia .
It has brought anger about mass incarceration and police brutality back to the fore in this country .
In the past three decades , more than 400 Aboriginal people have died in police custody despite findings and recommendations from a national inquiry back in 1991 .
And like in the US , there have been calls to shift resources away from policing and prisons and towards empowering indigenous people to make the decisions that affect their community .
Some projects are getting government funding .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Connections , relies mainly on donations .
Keenan , a 33-year-old Aboriginal Australian , tries to keep young people away from prison and help them navigate the often-tense relationship with the police .
`` The only time the blue uniform comes into our community is to take away a loved one , '' he says .
I asked him how he feels when he sees a policeman .
We are spending the afternoon in the neighbourhood where he grew up in Redfern in inner-city Sydney .
He points to different tower blocks , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authorities .
One where his best friend was chased by the police and fell to his death from a balcony .
`` I was actually arrested once in that very place we are right now , '' he says , as we stand by the pavement facing the towers and a basketball court .
`` I used to play on those streets and dream of better days , of not being broken .
Not being chased by the police .
Some kids that I played with lost their lives because of the police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken into care at the age of six when he lost both his parents - his father to suicide , his mother to a drug overdose .
By 14 he was in juvenile detention for theft .
He was also involved in drugs and spent much of the next 15 years behind bars .
His memories of this time are blurred , but he does remember the birthdays .
`` I turned 18 in juvenile custody , '' Keenan says in tears .
`` When those days come around , you just want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just want to be loved .
You want to feel normal .
You do n't want presents , you do n't want anything else but to be at the table with your loved ones , '' he adds .
Keenan has turned a corner in his life .
He 's been clean and out of jail for a few years now .
He 's married and has two little boys Khaius and Khyreese .
He 's a devoted father and keeps a close eye on them while we talk .
Then takes them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their future .
• Why Australians are seizing on US protests He says the justice system has unfairly targeted young Aboriginal people like him for years and that this has n't changed '' I live in constant fear of my children being put in the same position that I was and having things happen to them that were out of their control and traumatising them for the rest of their life .
`` I worry about them growing older and being arrested by the police and being taken to prison , '' Keenan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thousands of other first nations families .
While indigenous Australians make up less than 3 % of the population , they represent more than a quarter of adult prisoners .
More than half the children sentenced to juvenile detention in Australia are Aboriginal .
And an indigenous teenage boy is more likely to go to jail than to university .
`` The over-incarceration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people today is a direct legacy of colonisation in Australia , '' says Roxanne Moore , executive officer for the National Aboriginal and Torres @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the jailing of indigenous Australians enabled British settlement here from the late 18th Century .
Police played a big part in forcing people off their land .
And right up to the 1970s , police took part in the removal of huge numbers of indigenous children from their homes , to be adopted by white families or put in institutions .
The forcible removal of indigenous children from their families was a result of various government policies of assimilation which assumed black inferiority and white superiority .
The objective of these policies was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` die out '' through a process of natural elimination , or where possible , be assimilated into the white community .
The generations of children removed from their homes and families became known as the Stolen Generations and the legacy of trauma and loss continues to haunt many Aboriginal families until today .
`` This is not in the past for us , we feel the impact and the legacy of colonisation every single day ... particularly in the justice system , '' says Ms Moore .
`` We still see the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our people , in the systemic discrimination that still exists . ''
She added that one of the reasons it becomes very hard to leave the justice system once a young person is in it , is because it is stacked against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at every level .
`` From police interactions , to the courts , through to the sentences in prison , being denied bail , through to black deaths in custody .
That 's why we need structural change in order to get true justice for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Statues of Captain James Cook mark the British explorer 's arrival here in 1770 .
But he is a controversial figure with a questionable legacy .
Many see him as a hero .
Others see him as the man who opened the door for the displacement and dispossession of Australia 's first nations people .
There were attempts by some leaders to acknowledge Australia 's difficult past .
But it never went far enough for indigenous Australians , who are still not mentioned in the constitution , for example .
In February 2008 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Australia 's indigenous people for the policies that have caused centuries of continued suffering and in which the police played a big part .
It was a key moment .
But for many , the moment passed with no real change .
Despite a number of government initiatives , indigenous Australians continue to be disadvantaged on every level , from health and education to life expectancy .
Keenan takes me to see a couple of the teenagers he works with , Chaise Patten and Malakai Marr .
They meet not far from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some food and a game of basketball .
Fifteen-year-old Chaise said the biggest challenge facing him as a young Aboriginal person is the colour of his skin and where he lives .
`` There are a lot of people on drugs .
A lot of crime , '' he says , adding that many of his family members have gone down that path .
`` We do n't want to follow that .
We want to work .
Get our own jobs . ''
Malakai said another challenge is that there 's always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I just want to be a good kid .
But the police think because I 'm black , I 'm just going to end up in jail - selling drugs .
I 'm not like that , I want to own my own business and go to university . ''
These young people are hoping to change the narrative and for their future to be different from their ancestors ' past .
Keenan said that is why he goes back to his old neighbourhood and the areas around it .
`` When @ @ @ @ @ @ @ story happening all over again .
I see a lot of struggling still , '' he says .
`` I was traumatised by this community .
But I want to come back and be able to show that there 's hope .
That your circumstance will not define who you can be . ''

"When those days come around, you just want to be around your family, you just want to be loved. You want to feel normal. You don't want presents, you don't want anything else but to be at the table with your loved ones," he adds.


bbc--2020-07-16--What sort of future does the conference industry have?

The company went from generating millions of pounds in revenue to near zero in just weeks , because of lockdowns .
`` Over 10 years of hard work building the company up from nothing , reinvesting each year for growth , taken away cruelly in the space of a couple of weeks , with no clarity on when the industry can resume , '' Mr Walker says .
Thousands of others in the events industry will be facing the same uncertainty .
The pandemic has completely shattered a huge sector , and many businesses are struggling to survive .
According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alone are a $ 1.5 trillion ( £1.2tn ) industry globally .
That 's without considering the huge number of consumer events , exhibitions , experiences and weddings .
All of these events rely on people turning up in person , and that is not currently possible with some venues closed or at a reduced capacity , and with travel restrictions in place - not to mention various other safety precautions required at the venue itself .
`` Even if you hold an event in a larger venue , if you have delegates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and one person tests positive for Covid-19 , then you 're going to get a call from the hotel telling you they 're going to have to give the venue a deep clean and shut it down , '' says Steve Parrott , co-founder of Alternative Events .
That kind of scenario is why companies are being forced to look at technology as the alternative , with virtual events becoming the norm throughout lockdown .
Most businesses have turned to technology that has become familiar for many people - video conferencing software @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , these technologies were around before the pandemic , and while they offer an alternative , they do not provide the same level of engagement as physical events .
`` Most of the platforms for virtual conferences are built by third-party providers that do n't organise events , '' says Paddy Cosgrave , co-founder of Web Summit , one of the biggest tech conferences in the world .
As video conferencing tools have been built for the mass market , rather than for specific industries , event organisers and sponsors are scrambling around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken up by The Moodie Davitt Report and retail marketing and design company FILTR , has been to bring together existing products into one system .
`` We looked at the software that exists in the industry and we did n't think any of them would be sufficient to attract the brands we needed to attract , '' says Martin Moodie , founder of The Moodie Davitt Report , a publication that focuses on travel retailing .
Using existing software it creates a virtual version of a physical event - enabling people to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and communicate with brands by speaking to people in a chat format , all from their laptop .
The company integrates this with web-conferencing capabilities and meeting scheduling software .
But for some of the larger conferences , even integrating these products is n't necessarily enough .
The Consumer Electronics Show ( CES ) , which welcomes 170,000 delegates to Las Vegas every year , is going ahead with its 2021 event in January .
Jean Foster , senior vice president of marketing and communications at the Consumer Trade Association , which runs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is creating its own digital platform for CES as it expects that turnout will be lower as a result of the virus , and it is therefore switching to a hybrid offering .
`` We 're working on what that platform is going to look like ... there 's nothing off-the-shelf of the scale and capabilities we need , '' Ms Foster says .
Web Summit has also created a platform from scratch .
Mr Cosgrave says that for most business events , networking is the key reason that people attend .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an event , as sponsors can communicate directly with their target audience .
Mr Cosgrave 's team had already worked on trying to engineer serendipity into the physical Web Summit event , by seating people next to others who may have mutual interests .
Now that the event , held in Lisbon in December , will be at least partly online , his team have been working on allowing that serendipity to also flow into an online environment .
The company takes information , with consent , from social media and delegates ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matches people with others that they would likely find interesting or want to talk to .
`` Delegates will see the people that are recommended to them , while other people are seeing them in a very personalised way , '' he says .
`` On the platform , they can do one-to-one video calls with one another , they could do group calls with each other , or you could start a group video chat and invite people , or join Q & As with speakers , for example . ''
Some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ market to help enable attendees to have more control during an event .
Box Bear Digital supplies virtual reality ( VR ) headsets to clients who can then distribute them among delegates .
The headsets have to be returned after the conference is finished .
During the VR conference , attendees are represented by their own real-life avatars .
Users can take notes on slides , get certain quotes transcribed and sent to email , zoom in , change their viewpoint , and interact with virtual elements .
`` The key difference is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's no escape as soon as you put the headset on , '' says Graham Addison , global marketing director of pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca , which has tested out the technology .
The added value provided to the organisers , according to Box Bear Digital , is that they have a better idea of what the audience is doing , as the technology can track whether the person is shaking their head , or raising their hand to ask a question .
Generally , event organisers do n't stand to make the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
However , there are numerous benefits to holding virtual events .
• The perfume makers that ca n't smell a thing • Why Hollywood needs computer games more than ever • Finding the 'invisible ' millions who are not on maps • How much does your boss know about you ?
Virtual events are far cheaper to run , and at a time when companies are more conscious about the environment , they offer a sustainable alternative to flying people in from across the world .
In addition , they give the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the world , on different timezones , to tune in , and potentially attract better speakers for the event too , as they do n't need to travel .
There is also more scope to measure outcomes .
`` We can constantly tell those people putting on the event how many people were engaged , how many visitors they had , how many people downloaded their content - you ca n't measure this in the same way for a physical event , '' says Mr Walker .
Despite this , many event @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these virtual events as a stop gap , or as part of an overall hybrid event in the future .
Perhaps this is why the likes of Microsoft and Zoom have n't moved quickly to provide new features for their platforms .
`` Four months into lockdown , why is there nothing new on the market ?
Perhaps digital [ events ] are n't worth investing in because although they will be a part of the mix , they wo n't be the main part of the event , because people think we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' says Mr Parrott .

Virtual events are far cheaper to run, and at a time when companies are more conscious about the environment, they offer a sustainable alternative to flying people in from across the world. In addition, they give the organisers the ability to get viewers from across the world, on different timezones, to tune in, and potentially attract better speakers for the event too, as they don't need to travel.


bbc--2020-07-16--Alan Rusbridger: Facebook oversight board must avoid 'half-baked judgements'

A member of Facebook 's new oversight board has warned that it should avoid launching too quickly .
Alan Rusbridger told BBC Click that it would be `` great to be up and running '' in time for November 's US elections .
But in an exclusive interview , he said it would be damaging to `` come out with half-baked recommendations now before we are ready '' .
He did not yet know whether it would be ready to make `` key decisions on the hot potatoes '' of the Presidential election .
Mr Rusbridger also acknowledged calls for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in on whether Facebook should follow Twitter in labelling and hiding some of President Donald Trump 's posts .
But he said that without having studied the matter in a `` sophisticated way '' , it would be `` a bad way to proceed '' .
Facebook has said the panel is supposed to act as a kind of supreme court , with the power to override decisions made by the social network 's own moderators and influence policy .
Its eventual 40 members will be paid by Facebook but are intended to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not everyone is convinced of the scheme .
`` Mark ( Zuckerberg ) controls the organisation , '' claimed Rashad Robinson of the Stop Hate for Profit campaign , which has urged firms to pull ads from the platform .
`` I think it 's a huge mistake for these individuals because unless they are going to change the infrastructure and change the incentives , then you are not actually going to change how things roll out .
`` It 's like saying you 're a member of Congress but not actually having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Rusbridger , a former editor-in-chief of the Guardian , acknowledged that many people were sceptical about the initiative but said it was `` worth a try '' to see whether the board could help Facebook 's `` engineers think through the moral , legal , editorial and ethical considerations that they have to wrestle with '' .
`` If after two-to-three years we found out we are not having much of an impact , I guess a number of the board members would think : is this really worth it ? ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We 're going to be criticised whatever we do . ''
The following interview has been edited for brevity and clarity .
Are you happy with the mix of people on the board ?
I gather , they spoke to about 2,000 people - it certainly took them a long time .
And it 's a very interesting mix , in terms of geographical location , diversity and diversity of ethnicity .
It 's so you 've got a sort of interesting bunch of lawyers , human rights activists , academics , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a quiet life , I do n't think you would have chosen this board .
What made you take the job ?
This issue of how the internet is regulated , or regulates itself , is one of the most important issues imaginable .
We 're facing a crisis of trust of knowing what 's true and what 's not true .
And as somebody who passionately believed in the dream , the opportunity that the internet offered , it 's been very sad to see it get into some degree of trouble @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this off , that would be an incredibly valuable thing to do .
Being paid by Facebook is going to be a challenge when it comes to convincing people about this .
What Facebook has done is to set up something like a trust .
And although for the first few meetings there were Facebook people in the room , there are not now .
It feels as though we are now an independent entity .
So although the real money was provided by Facebook , I do n't think we 're going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in future .
How will this work in practice ?
Facebook will come to us and say : here 's a particularly thorny problem .
And I expect there will be a big demand from users , saying : please get a grip on X , Y and Z , or here 's a case where I feel aggrieved because I was ruled against and I want you to reconsider it .
And we can choose for ourselves to say we want to look at a particular case .
Are n't you going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ca n't possibly deal with the millions of issues that are contested on Facebook .
So it comes back to trying to choose cases that seem to be typical of bigger , more wide-scale problems .
Will you publish your recommendations before Facebook has decided whether to listen to them or not ?
We will certainly publish them independently of Facebook .
We 're in control of what we publish or not .
Any suggestion that we were not publishing our opinions because Facebook did n't like them would be deadly to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the other social media platforms ?
Twitter has taken a different approach to labelling Donald Trump 's posts , for example , to Facebook .
We all have noticed the difference between the Twitter response and the Facebook response .
I do n't know enough about the culture of the few companies to explain why they came to different decisions .
But I can see why a company would have got itself into a position of saying the First Amendment [ to freedom of speech ] is going to be our guiding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or right position , I do n't know .
That 's one of the jobs that we 're going to have to start thinking about .
I can see why you would start there but maybe that 's not a tenable , desirable position to end up with .
Do you feel that you 're putting your reputation on the line here ?
It 's an interesting , valuable thing to attempt .
If Facebook ignore it , or if it does n't look as though it 's working , then there 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will broadcast the interview on Saturday 18 July on the News Channel or iPlayer in the UK , and BBC World News internationally

We all have noticed the difference between the Twitter response and the Facebook response. I don't know enough about the culture of the few companies to explain why they came to different decisions. But I can see why a company would have got itself into a position of saying the First Amendment [to freedom of speech] is going to be our guiding star. Whether that is a tenable or right position, I don't know. That's one of the jobs that we're going to have to start thinking about. I can see why you would start there but maybe that's not a tenable, desirable position to end up with.


bbc--2020-07-16--Archer breach could have ended up costing ECB 'tens of millions of pounds' - Giles

Jofra Archer 's breach of the bio-secure protocols could have been a `` disaster '' for England 's summer , says director of cricket Ashley Giles .
The pace bowler , 25 , was dropped for the second Test against West Indies for visiting his home after the first Test .
All of England 's home matches this year are being played behind closed doors and in a bio-secure environment .
`` The ripple effect it could have had could have cost us tens of millions of pounds , '' said Giles .
• Watch Today at the Test on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to hold the three-Test series against West Indies , and subsequent tours by Ireland , Pakistan and possibly Australia in secure locations at the Ageas Bowl and Emirates Old Trafford .
Not only has great expense and time gone into those plans , but anything that compromises them could potentially cost the England and Wales Cricket Board ( ECB ) vast sums in broadcasting revenue .
Giles said : `` The potential knock-on effect of this , I do n't think he could have fully understood .
`` We made it very clear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he did n't quite understand what the consequences could be . ''
After leaving the Ageas Bowl , where England lost the first Test , Archer went to his home in Brighton , before travelling to Manchester for the second Test , which started on Thursday .
Giles said Archer was not at home for a `` particularly long period of time '' and that he visited someone who has since returned a negative coronavirus test .
On Wednesday evening , Archer told one of the members of the England management team that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subsequently removed from a 13-man squad announced earlier that day .
He must now serve a five-day period of isolation and return two negative coronavirus tests before he can rejoin the England squad .
`` There will be a disciplinary process to go through , '' said former England spinner Giles .
`` That 's ongoing .
That 's an employment matter and we 'll settle that in good time .
`` Jofra has demonstrated how sorry he is , but it 's clearly very disappointing for the whole group .
He 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mistakes , and he 's just got to learn from them . ''
Archer was due to be the only member of the England pace attack retained from the first Test , but with his period of isolation lasting the whole of the second , he may not return for the third , which is also in Manchester .
Asked about Archer 's availability to play in the final match of the series , England coach Chris Silverwood told BBC Sport : `` There 's ongoing conversations and I 'll be speaking to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jofra a lot .
The guys will rally round , make sure he 's doing alright , phone him , deliver his meals , so we 've got all sorts to be doing .
`` I 've got a feeling he 's probably learnt a lot in the past 24 hours .
It is something that will be spelt out to him as well . ''
In Archer 's absence , England reached 207-3 on day one at Old Trafford , with Dom Sibley making 86 not out and Ben Stokes an unbeaten @ @

Last updated on .From the section Cricket
Jofra Archer's breach of the bio-secure protocols could have been a "disaster" for England's summer, says director of cricket Ashley Giles.
The pace bowler, 25, was dropped for the second Test against West Indies for visiting his home after the first Test.
All of England's home matches this year are being played behind closed doors and in a bio-secure environment.
"The ripple effect it could have had could have cost us tens of millions of pounds," said Giles.
The coronavirus pandemic has forced England to hold the three-Test series against West Indies, and subsequent tours by Ireland, Pakistan and possibly Australia in secure locations at the Ageas Bowl and Emirates Old Trafford.
Not only has great expense and time gone into those plans, but anything that compromises them could potentially cost the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) vast sums in broadcasting revenue.
Giles said: "The potential knock-on effect of this, I don't think he could have fully understood.
"We made it very clear what the protocols mean, but maybe he didn't quite understand what the consequences could be."
After leaving the Ageas Bowl, where England lost the first Test, Archer went to his home in Brighton, before travelling to Manchester for the second Test, which started on Thursday.
Giles said Archer was not at home for a "particularly long period of time" and that he visited someone who has since returned a negative coronavirus test.
On Wednesday evening, Archer told one of the members of the England management team that he went home, and he was subsequently removed from a 13-man squad announced earlier that day.
He must now serve a five-day period of isolation and return two negative coronavirus tests before he can rejoin the England squad.
"There will be a disciplinary process to go through," said former England spinner Giles. "That's ongoing. That's an employment matter and we'll settle that in good time.
"Jofra has demonstrated how sorry he is, but it's clearly very disappointing for the whole group. He's a young man and young men make mistakes, and he's just got to learn from them."
Archer was due to be the only member of the England pace attack retained from the first Test, but with his period of isolation lasting the whole of the second, he may not return for the third, which is also in Manchester.
Asked about Archer's availability to play in the final match of the series, England coach Chris Silverwood told BBC Sport: "There's ongoing conversations and I'll be speaking to Ashley.
"We're speaking to Jofra a lot. The guys will rally round, make sure he's doing alright, phone him, deliver his meals, so we've got all sorts to be doing.
"I've got a feeling he's probably learnt a lot in the past 24 hours. It is something that will be spelt out to him as well."
In Archer's absence, England reached 207-3 on day one at Old Trafford, with Dom Sibley making 86 not out and Ben Stokes an unbeaten 59.


bbc--2020-07-16--'These are the games that matter' - Solskjaer eyes top four after Man Utd beat Palace

Manchester United have `` earned the right '' to challenge for a top-four finish in the Premier League after a `` fantastic '' spell of post-lockdown form , says boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer .
United maintained their relentless pursuit of a place in the Champions League with a hard-fought win against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park .
Solskjaer 's side were under pressure after Leicester City 's earlier victory over Sheffield United and responded with a victory that keeps them in fifth place , level on points with the Foxes but with an inferior goal difference .
It extended United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all competitions , and Solskjaer believes United , who are still in the FA Cup and Europa League , have set themselves up for a thrilling end to the season .
`` No-one thought in January that we would be in with a shout for top four , '' he said .
`` We have done fantastic since the restart .
These are the games that matter .
That is the thing at Manchester United , you have to step up and show your personality . ''
United were made to work for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deadlock with a stylish finish in first-half stoppage time before playing his part in a sweet move involving Bruno Fernandes that was rounded off by Anthony Martial in the 78th minute .
Palace felt a real sense of injustice , furious that they were denied a penalty just before United took the lead when Wilfried Zaha tangled with Victor Lindelof , and then seeing a potential 55th-minute equaliser from Jordan Ayew ruled out by VAR for a very marginal offside .
It meant Roy Hodgson 's side slumped to their sixth consecutive league @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when defender Patrick van Aanholt suffered a dislocated shoulder after trying to prevent Martial scoring United 's second .
United were not at their best and were grateful to goalkeeper David de Gea for some fine saves , particularly from Zaha , while he also did well to keep out Luka Milivojevic 's free-kick .
This , however , is a United team developing a ruthless streak , demonstrated by Rashford 's calm finish for the opener , and then an artistic move constructed by Rashford and Fernandes that enabled Martial to complete @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the instant response after Leicester 's win earlier on Thursday and there is real efficiency as well as a rapier thrust to Solskjaer 's side that has taken them on this long unbeaten run .
It leaves them in contention for that top-four place , as well as the Europa League , and they also have an FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea at Wembley this weekend .
Most mouth-watering of all , they face a potentially decisive visit to Leicester on the final day of the season .
Palace 's season is fizzling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ promise of that impressive first post-lockdown win at Bournemouth seeming an age away .
This , however , was no tame surrender and Palace gave a good account of themselves , only to be undone by United 's quality .
And certainly Hodgson and his players will feel they were hard done by when their appeals for a penalty as Zaha tangled with Lindelof were ignored .
Palace chairman Steve Parish expressed his frustration on social media .
`` Is the VAR broken ?
Serious question , '' he tweeted .
There was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the far post from Zaha 's cross-shot was ruled out after a lengthy VAR inspection , the striker being ruled offside by the thinnest of margins .
`` Certainly we are not fortunate at the moment .
The gods of fortune are not smiling on us with certain decisions , '' Hodgson said afterwards .
`` We have won games and got good results against top teams like Manchester United playing a lot worse than we did tonight . ''
Palace are comfortable in 14th place but there is no question the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of an anti-climax .
• United have gone unbeaten in their last 19 games in all competitions ( W14 D5 ) - their longest such run since a 29-game streak ending in November 2010 under Alex Ferguson .
• Roy Hodgson has lost six consecutive Premier League games for the first time since losing his last three with Blackburn in November 1998 and his first three with Fulham in January 2008 .
• Palace remain winless in their last 16 home Premier League encounters against 'big six ' sides ( D3 L13 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ October 2017 .
• Seven goals which were originally awarded against United have been overturned by VAR this season , the joint-most of any side in the Premier League this campaign ( alongside Southampton and Brighton ) .
• Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford have now assisted one another a combined seven times in this season 's Premier League , the most of any pairing in a single season for Man Utd in the competition .
• Timothy Fosu-Mensah made his first league appearance for United since May 2017 , three years and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 4y 154d in Aug 2016 ) and Will Keane ( 4y 44d in Feb 2016 ) have had a longer gap between appearances for the club in the Premier League .
While Palace are away at Wolves on Monday ( 20:15 BST ) , United are getting ready for an FA Cup semi-final with Chelsea at Wembley on Sunday ( 18:00 BST ) .
• Football Daily : Reaction to the latest twists in the race for Europe

Last updated on .From the section Premier League
Manchester United are unbeaten in their past 12 Premier League games
Manchester United have "earned the right" to challenge for a top-four finish in the Premier League after a "fantastic" spell of post-lockdown form, says boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
United maintained their relentless pursuit of a place in the Champions League with a hard-fought win against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
Solskjaer's side were under pressure after Leicester City's earlier victory over Sheffield United and responded with a victory that keeps them in fifth place, level on points with the Foxes but with an inferior goal difference.
It extended United's unbeaten run to 19 games in all competitions, and Solskjaer believes United, who are still in the FA Cup and Europa League, have set themselves up for a thrilling end to the season.
"No-one thought in January that we would be in with a shout for top four," he said.
"We have done fantastic since the restart. These are the games that matter. That is the thing at Manchester United, you have to step up and show your personality."
United were made to work for their victory, Marcus Rashford breaking the deadlock with a stylish finish in first-half stoppage time before playing his part in a sweet move involving Bruno Fernandes that was rounded off by Anthony Martial in the 78th minute.
Palace felt a real sense of injustice, furious that they were denied a penalty just before United took the lead when Wilfried Zaha tangled with Victor Lindelof, and then seeing a potential 55th-minute equaliser from Jordan Ayew ruled out by VAR for a very marginal offside.
It meant Roy Hodgson's side slumped to their sixth consecutive league loss and their night was made worse when defender Patrick van Aanholt suffered a dislocated shoulder after trying to prevent Martial scoring United's second.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says forwards must be more clinical
United set up date with destiny
United were not at their best and were grateful to goalkeeper David de Gea for some fine saves, particularly from Zaha, while he also did well to keep out Luka Milivojevic's free-kick.
This, however, is a United team developing a ruthless streak, demonstrated by Rashford's calm finish for the opener, and then an artistic move constructed by Rashford and Fernandes that enabled Martial to complete the job in style.
United needed the instant response after Leicester's win earlier on Thursday and there is real efficiency as well as a rapier thrust to Solskjaer's side that has taken them on this long unbeaten run.
It leaves them in contention for that top-four place, as well as the Europa League, and they also have an FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea at Wembley this weekend.
Most mouth-watering of all, they face a potentially decisive visit to Leicester on the final day of the season.
Palace cursing their luck
VAR like a 'Christmas pantomime' says Hodgson after Manchester United defeat
Palace's season is fizzling out after their latest loss, the promise of that impressive first post-lockdown win at Bournemouth seeming an age away.
This, however, was no tame surrender and Palace gave a good account of themselves, only to be undone by United's quality.
And certainly Hodgson and his players will feel they were hard done by when their appeals for a penalty as Zaha tangled with Lindelof were ignored.
Palace chairman Steve Parish expressed his frustration on social media. "Is the VAR broken? Serious question," he tweeted. external-link
There was more frustration when Ayew's 55th-minute finish at the far post from Zaha's cross-shot was ruled out after a lengthy VAR inspection, the striker being ruled offside by the thinnest of margins.
"Certainly we are not fortunate at the moment. The gods of fortune are not smiling on us with certain decisions," Hodgson said afterwards.
"We have won games and got good results against top teams like Manchester United playing a lot worse than we did tonight."
Palace are comfortable in 14th place but there is no question the end to their season has been something of an anti-climax.
Man of the match - Marcus Rashford (Man Utd)
Another strong performance by Marcus Rashford who added to his goal tally before setting up Anthony Martial
Unbeaten run continues - the stats
United have gone unbeaten in their last 19 games in all competitions (W14 D5) - their longest such run since a 29-game streak ending in November 2010 under Alex Ferguson.
Roy Hodgson has lost six consecutive Premier League games for the first time since losing his last three with Blackburn in November 1998 and his first three with Fulham in January 2008.
Palace remain winless in their last 16 home Premier League encounters against 'big six' sides (D3 L13) since a 2-1 victory against Chelsea in October 2017.
Seven goals which were originally awarded against United have been overturned by VAR this season, the joint-most of any side in the Premier League this campaign (alongside Southampton and Brighton).
Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford have now assisted one another a combined seven times in this season's Premier League, the most of any pairing in a single season for Man Utd in the competition.
Timothy Fosu-Mensah made his first league appearance for United since May 2017, three years and 56 days ago; only Paul Pogba (4y 154d in Aug 2016) and Will Keane (4y 44d in Feb 2016) have had a longer gap between appearances for the club in the Premier League.
What's next?
While Palace are away at Wolves on Monday (20:15 BST), United are getting ready for an FA Cup semi-final with Chelsea at Wembley on Sunday (18:00 BST).
More to follow.


bbc--2020-07-16--Sibley & Stokes put England on top against West Indies

Dom Sibley and Ben Stokes batted England into a strong position on an attritional first day of the second Test against West Indies .
Sibley inched his way to 86 not out from 253 balls , adding an unbroken 126 with Stokes , who batted beautifully for his unbeaten 59 .
In closing on 207-3 , England recovered from being reduced to 29-2 by off-spinner Roston Chase removing Rory Burns and Zak Crawley with successive balls either side of lunch .
Not only that , but the home side dealt with the disruption of dropping Jofra Archer for a breach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Archer was left out after travelling to his Brighton home in between the first Test in Southampton and this game at Emirates Old Trafford .
Without him , England fielded an entirely different pace attack to the one that lost the series opener , but it was their batsmen who were thrust into the action when West Indies won the toss on a murky day in Manchester .
The touring pace bowlers , so impressive in the six-wicket win at the Ageas Bowl , looked weary and were not helped by their fielders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Indies also face the prospect of having to bat last on sluggish pitch that is already offering turn and some uneven bounce .
• Archer trip could have cost 'tens of millions of pounds' • Archer left out after going home between Tests • Watch Today at the Test on iPlayer Archer 's omission was announced three hours before play was due to begin .
Without it , this would have gone down as an unremarkable day of Test cricket .
The bio-secure , behind-closed-doors environment in Southampton was masked by the quality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the ground provided life from the outside world .
This may yet mature into a similarly compelling contest , but the urban , enclosed nature of the impressively redeveloped Old Trafford resulted in a sense of claustrophobia .
A crowd , usually so boisterous in Manchester , was missed , while the conditions - leaden skies and a tacky surface - was not conducive to thrilling cricket .
The weather prevented any action before 12:30 BST , and the players were still out there when the sun finally appeared at 19:30 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , vindicating captain Joe Root 's view that he would have batted on winning the toss , rather than unleashing a new-look pace attack of Stuart Broad , Chris Woakes and Sam Curran on a day that would have been ideal for them .
Sibley is unlikely to earn plaudits for his style , but the manner in which he values his wicket has been needed by England not only here , but for so long in their search for a reliable opening pair .
He dropped anchor in a vigil that mainly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shovelling the ball to the leg side any time West Indies bowled straight .
His first boundary did not come until the 91st ball he faced , and only 14 of his runs were scored in front of square on the off side .
He saw all of Burns , Crawley and Root gift their wickets away .
Burns played down the wrong line to be lbw to Chase , Crawley softly turned his first ball to leg slip , and Root edged a wild drive off Alzarri Joseph to second slip .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ only for Stokes to join Sibley .
When Stokes lofted Chase for a straight six , it ended a period of more than an hour without a boundary , during which time Sibley was dropped at short leg off Chase on 44 .
While Stokes took time to find some fluency , he was never troubled , and it brief flashes of his strokeplay provided the highlights of a day when England hit only 11 fours and one six .
On a rare occasion that Sibley , on 68 , was drawn into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , West Indies captain Jason Holder could not hold on to a straightforward chance at second slip .
After their pace bowlers bowled with such incision in Southampton , West Indies pounced on the opportunity to do so again in grey Manchester , ignoring the history that says no side has won a Test on this ground after winning the toss and choosing to field .
They instantly looked flat .
Gabriel , man of the match with nine wickets in the first Test , sent his second delivery down the leg side @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off the field with what looked like a groin problem .
Chase was only bowling in the first hour because the pacemen were so poor , but struck with his second and third deliveries , and remained tidy throughout the day .
The sprightly Joseph led an improvement of the fast bowlers , getting his reward when Root chased an outswinger he could barely reach .
Kemar Roach and Holder managed one threatening spell apiece , in the afternoon and evening respectively , but Holder was also forced from the field .
When @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off Sibley , was in the firing line when another Gabriel wide went straight to second slip , and could not inspire his team into finding a way to past England 's increasingly comfortable fourth-wicket pair .
'This is how Test cricket should be played ' - what they said England head coach Chris Silverwood on Sky Sports : `` Dom concentrates very well .
He 's willing to bat for long periods of time - and that 's what we needed at the top .
`` Those partnerships have put us in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to back it up tomorrow . ''
Ex-England captain Michael Vaughan on BBC Test Match Special : `` You only have to go back a year or two ago and we were criticising England for being too flamboyant and the mentality not being right .
`` This is completely the other end of the spectrum - and I prefer this end .
It 's been a day 's play I would see in the 80s .
This is what I believe Test cricket should be played like . ''
West Indies all-rounder Carlos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like Dom Sibley but with the ball .
It 's not going to look pretty all the time .
Sometimes you just need someone to run in and do the hard yards .
`` It looks as though the bodies are n't quite holding up as well as they thought they would .
We need to see more with the ball . ''

Second Test, Emirates Old Trafford (day one of five) England 207-3: Sibley 86*, Stokes 59* West Indies: Yet to bat Scorecard
Dom Sibley and Ben Stokes batted England into a strong position on an attritional first day of the second Test against West Indies.
Sibley inched his way to 86 not out from 253 balls, adding an unbroken 126 with Stokes, who batted beautifully for his unbeaten 59.
In closing on 207-3, England recovered from being reduced to 29-2 by off-spinner Roston Chase removing Rory Burns and Zak Crawley with successive balls either side of lunch.
Not only that, but the home side dealt with the disruption of dropping Jofra Archer for a breach of the bio-secure protocols.
Pace bowler Archer was left out after travelling to his Brighton home in between the first Test in Southampton and this game at Emirates Old Trafford.
Without him, England fielded an entirely different pace attack to the one that lost the series opener, but it was their batsmen who were thrust into the action when West Indies won the toss on a murky day in Manchester.
The touring pace bowlers, so impressive in the four-wicket win at the Ageas Bowl, looked weary and were not helped by their fielders, who dropped Sibley twice.
West Indies also face the prospect of having to bat last on sluggish pitch that is already offering turn and some uneven bounce.
Archer indiscretion dominates slow day
Archer's omission was announced three hours before play was due to begin. Without it, this would have gone down as an unremarkable day of Test cricket.
The bio-secure, behind-closed-doors environment in Southampton was masked by the quality of the match, while the openness of the ground provided life from the outside world.
This may yet mature into a similarly compelling contest, but the urban, enclosed nature of the impressively redeveloped Old Trafford resulted in a sense of claustrophobia.
A crowd, usually so boisterous in Manchester, was missed, while the conditions - leaden skies and a tacky surface - was not conducive to thrilling cricket.
The weather prevented any action before 12:30 BST, and the players were still out there when the sun finally appeared at 19:30.
England had much the better of it, vindicating captain Joe Root's view that he would have batted on winning the toss, rather than unleashing a new-look pace attack of Stuart Broad, Chris Woakes and Sam Curran on a day that would have been ideal for them.
Sibley grinds it out
Sibley is unlikely to earn plaudits for his style, but the manner in which he values his wicket has been needed by England not only here, but for so long in their search for a reliable opening pair.
He dropped anchor in a vigil that mainly included leaving anything outside off stump and shovelling the ball to the leg side any time West Indies bowled straight. His first boundary did not come until the 91st ball he faced, and only 14 of his runs were scored in front of square on the off side.
He saw all of Burns, Crawley and Root gift their wickets away. Burns played down the wrong line to be lbw to Chase, Crawley softly turned his first ball to leg slip, and Root edged a wild drive off Alzarri Joseph to second slip.
At 81-3, England were teetering, only for Stokes to join Sibley. When Stokes lofted Chase for a straight six, it ended a period of more than an hour without a boundary, during which time Sibley was dropped at short leg off Chase on 44.
While Stokes took time to find some fluency, he was never troubled, and it brief flashes of his strokeplay provided the highlights of a day when England hit only 11 fours and one six.
On a rare occasion that Sibley, on 68, was drawn into playing outside off stump by Shannon Gabriel, West Indies captain Jason Holder could not hold on to a straightforward chance at second slip.
A struggle for weary Windies
After their pace bowlers bowled with such incision in Southampton, West Indies pounced on the opportunity to do so again in grey Manchester, ignoring the history that says no side has won a Test on this ground after winning the toss and choosing to field.
They instantly looked flat. Gabriel, man of the match with nine wickets in the first Test, sent his second delivery down the leg side for five wides and later spent time off the field with what looked like a groin problem.
Chase was only bowling in the first hour because the pacemen were so poor, but struck with his second and third deliveries, and remained tidy throughout the day.
The sprightly Joseph led an improvement of the fast bowlers, getting his reward when Root chased an outswinger he could barely reach.
Kemar Roach and Holder managed one threatening spell apiece, in the afternoon and evening respectively, but Holder was also forced from the field.
When he returned, he missed the chance off Sibley, was in the firing line when another Gabriel wide went straight to second slip, and could not inspire his team into finding a way to past England's increasingly comfortable fourth-wicket pair.
'This is how Test cricket should be played' - what they said
England head coach Chris Silverwood on Sky Sports: "Dom concentrates very well. He's willing to bat for long periods of time - and that's what we needed at the top.
"Those partnerships have put us in a great position. We've got to back it up tomorrow."
Ex-England captain Michael Vaughan on BBC Test Match Special: "You only have to go back a year or two ago and we were criticising England for being too flamboyant and the mentality not being right.
"This is completely the other end of the spectrum - and I prefer this end. It's been a day's play I would see in the 80s. This is what I believe Test cricket should be played like."
West Indies all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite: "West Indies need someone like Dom Sibley but with the ball. It's not going to look pretty all the time. Sometimes you just need someone to run in and do the hard yards.
"It looks as though the bodies aren't quite holding up as well as they thought they would. We need to see more with the ball."


bbc--2020-07-16--Rodgers wants Leicester to 'make more history' as they beat Sheff Utd to seal Europa League spot

Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers challenged his team to `` make more history '' after victory over Sheffield United secured European football for next season .
A first-half strike by Ayoze Perez and Demarai Gray 's counter-attacking goal ensured the Foxes stay fourth , a point behind third-placed Chelsea with two games remaining .
Their win also means they qualified for next season 's Europa League at least .
But Rodgers wants Leicester to secure Champions League football for a second time after becoming Premier League title-winners in 2016 .
`` The result gives us the second-highest Premier League finish in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ games to go to create some more history , '' he said .
`` We all sat down at the start of season and said , it would be huge challenge for Leicester to get into Europe , so do that in my first season here , to guarantee that is a phenomenal achievement . ''
The hosts , who dominated most of the game , went ahead when impressive 19-year-old debutant Luke Thomas crossed low to set up Perez after 29 minutes .
They should have extended their lead after the break @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United goalkeeper Dean Henderson after clever through balls by Jamie Vardy .
The Foxes ' top scorer also hit the post , and it looked as though Sheffield United might be fortunate enough to equalise when Jack O'Connell 's shot was tipped wide by Kasper Schmeichel .
But , as the game hung in the balance , substitute Gray , on for Barnes , collected Vardy 's pass and beat Henderson to finally seal the win after 79 minutes .
Leicester 's victory was only their second in six games since the restart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rodgers ' team , who are ahead of fifth-placed Manchester United on goal difference .
Blades boss Chris Wilder was fuming with his players afterwards as the result ended a four-game unbeaten run which included wins over Tottenham , Wolves and Chelsea .
They remain eighth , two points behind sixth-placed Wolves , with the prospect of European football next season now out of their hands .
The hosts have struggled since the Premier League 's restart , but this was a vastly improved display after their chastening 4-1 loss at relegation-threatened Bournemouth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blend of youth and experience in their side .
Their biggest threat in the first half came down the left side where Barnes 's pace was boosted by some fine crossing by England under-19 international Thomas , who had already picked out Perez for a close-range header before he supplied the Spaniard 's eighth goal of the season .
Filling in for the injured Ben Chilwell , who has been linked with a move to Chelsea , Thomas showed his manager Rodgers that he is a more than capable back-up .
Led by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Leicester 's midfield to out-manoeuvre the visitors , the 2016 Premier League champions could have been further ahead before the break but for Henderson thwarting both Vardy and Perez .
Having bossed the first half , they were then forced to play on the counter attack after the break following a triple half-time substitution by Wilder .
That shift played into the hands of Vardy , who showed his guile at the age of 33 to twice set up Barnes .
The midfielder really should have capitalised .
It felt like they could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for an equaliser , but it was Barnes ' replacement Gray who had the required composure as he collected Vardy 's clever lay-off and steered into the net for his third of the season for a victory that guarantees at least Europa League football in 2020-21 .
It was ample reward for a display which bodes well for their remaining games this season and another potential Champions League campaign next season .
Whether Sheffield United play European football next season or not , it has already been a brilliant campaign for Wilder 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ top flight after a 12-season gap .
The fact they shook off a poor start when the Premier League resumed to earn 10 points from 12 in their previous four matches was a testament to their durability and craft .
But after three wins over teams above them , they found Leicester a more difficult task .
Although they made a good start where David McGoldrick fired over from George Baldock 's cross , they were second best for much of the first half as Leicester 's players , set up in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Blades ' resolute defence .
Much of that was down to Tielemans .
Even though the visitors had an extra man in central midfield , they could not get near the excellent Belgian .
That led to Wilder making a triple substitution as John Lundstram , John Fleck and Lys Mousset replaced Sander Berge , Ben Osborn and the ineffective McGoldrick .
It led to a slight improvement , but O'Connell 's effort after 63 minutes following John Egan 's nod back from a corner was their first shot on target .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ their best efforts came from set-pieces and , as they left gaps in their defence , it was Vardy 's threat was which eventually their undoing .
Every day 's a win day for Foxes - the stats • Leicester have won back-to-back home league games without conceding in each victory for the first time since January 2018 .
• This is the first time they have kept a clean sheet in four straight home league matches since February 2016 during their title-winning campaign under Claudio Ranieri .
• Sheffield United have gone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( D2 L3 ) for the first time since April 2018 in the Championship .
• Brendan Rodgers is now unbeaten in 15 home Premier League matches against promoted clubs ( W11 D4 ) across his time in charge at both Leicester and Liverpool .
• Leicester have completed a league double over Sheffield United for the first time since the 1928-29 campaign .
• Leicester have now won a Premier League game on every day of the week , with this their first top-flight victory on a Thursday since December 1985 versus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Aged 19 years 36 days , Luke Thomas became the third youngest player to make his first Premier League start for Leicester City , after Emile Heskey ( 17y 56d v QPR in March 1995 ) and Stuart Campbell ( 18y 357d v Man Utd in November 1996 ) .
• Thomas is also the youngest English player to assist a goal on his Premier League debut since Marcus Rashford for Manchester United in February 2016 ( 18y 120d ) , and was and the 15th English teenager to do so overall .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chris Wilder : `` We were way off of it .
We have taken some enormous steps forward this season , but the goalkeeper kept us in the game .
We never deserved anything form the game - off it from the first minute to the 90th , no excuse from us .
Technically very poor , physically out-fought .
`` We have done a job on a couple of teams recently but their fight was bigger than ours and they wanted the result more .
`` They were sharper , quicker in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ helped them get going again . ''
Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers on Sky Sports : `` I thought we were brilliant , Sheffield United deserve so much credit for how they have worked and how Chris Wilder has got them playing , but we were outstanding .
`` We have played well since we have come back but not been consistent enough .
Tonight we were able to do that .
A very good performance .
`` The result gives us the second-highest finish in Leicester 's history .
We have two games @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Leicester visit Tottenham on Sunday ( 16:00 BST ) , while Sheffield United host Everton on Monday ( 18:00 ) .
• Football Daily : Reaction to the latest twists in the race for Europe

Last updated on .From the section Premier League
Ayoze Perez scored his 50th league goal in English football on his 210th appearance
Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers challenged his team to "make more history" after victory over Sheffield United secured European football for next season.
A first-half strike by Ayoze Perez and Demarai Gray's counter-attacking goal ensured the Foxes stay fourth, a point behind third-placed Chelsea with two games remaining.
Their win also means they qualified for next season's Europa League at least.
But Rodgers wants Leicester to secure Champions League football for a second time after becoming Premier League title-winners in 2016.
"The result gives us the second-highest Premier League finish in Leicester's history. We have two games to go to create some more history," he said.
"We all sat down at the start of season and said, it would be huge challenge for Leicester to get into Europe, so do that in my first season here, to guarantee that is a phenomenal achievement."
The hosts, who dominated most of the game, went ahead when impressive 19-year-old debutant Luke Thomas crossed low to set up Perez after 29 minutes.
They should have extended their lead after the break when Harvey Barnes was twice denied by United goalkeeper Dean Henderson after clever through balls by Jamie Vardy.
The Foxes' top scorer also hit the post, and it looked as though Sheffield United might be fortunate enough to equalise when Jack O'Connell's shot was tipped wide by Kasper Schmeichel.
But, as the game hung in the balance, substitute Gray, on for Barnes, collected Vardy's pass and beat Henderson to finally seal the win after 79 minutes.
Leicester's victory was only their second in six games since the restart but it was a timely boost for Rodgers' team, who are ahead of fifth-placed Manchester United on goal difference.
Blades boss Chris Wilder was fuming with his players afterwards as the result ended a four-game unbeaten run which included wins over Tottenham, Wolves and Chelsea.
They remain eighth, two points behind sixth-placed Wolves, with the prospect of European football next season now out of their hands.
Thomas and Vardy shine as Leicester impress
European spot was 'big target' for Leicester - Rodgers
The hosts have struggled since the Premier League's restart, but this was a vastly improved display after their chastening 4-1 loss at relegation-threatened Bournemouth and it was engineered by an impressive blend of youth and experience in their side.
Their biggest threat in the first half came down the left side where Barnes's pace was boosted by some fine crossing by England under-19 international Thomas, who had already picked out Perez for a close-range header before he supplied the Spaniard's eighth goal of the season.
Filling in for the injured Ben Chilwell, who has been linked with a move to Chelsea, Thomas showed his manager Rodgers that he is a more than capable back-up.
Led by the impressive Youri Tielemans, who orchestrated Leicester's midfield to out-manoeuvre the visitors, the 2016 Premier League champions could have been further ahead before the break but for Henderson thwarting both Vardy and Perez.
Having bossed the first half, they were then forced to play on the counter attack after the break following a triple half-time substitution by Wilder.
That shift played into the hands of Vardy, who showed his guile at the age of 33 to twice set up Barnes. The midfielder really should have capitalised.
It felt like they could be crucial misses as the Blades pressed for an equaliser, but it was Barnes' replacement Gray who had the required composure as he collected Vardy's clever lay-off and steered into the net for his third of the season.
It was ample reward for a display which bodes well for their remaining games this season and another potential Champions League campaign next season.
Blades suffer after impressive run
Sheffield 'never deserved' to win against Leicester says Wilder
Whether Sheffield United play European football next season or not, it has already been a brilliant campaign for Wilder's team, their first back in the top flight after a 12-season gap.
The fact they shook off a poor start when the Premier League resumed to earn 10 points from 12 in their previous four matches was a testament to their durability and craft.
But after three wins over teams above them, they found Leicester a more difficult task.
Although they made a good start where David McGoldrick fired over from George Baldock's cross, they were second best for much of the first half as Leicester's players, set up in a 3-4-3 formation, continually asked questions of the Blades' resolute defence.
Much of that was down to Tielemans. Even though the visitors had an extra man in central midfield, they could not get near the excellent Belgian.
That led to Wilder making a triple substitution as John Lundstram, John Fleck and Lys Mousset replaced Sander Berge, Ben Osborn and the ineffective McGoldrick.
It led to a slight improvement, but O'Connell's effort after 63 minutes following John Egan's nod back from a corner was their first shot on target.
The Blades continued to probe, although their best efforts came from set-pieces and, as they left gaps in their defence, it was Vardy's threat was which eventually their undoing.
Man of the match - Jamie Vardy (Leicester)
Normally the Foxes' go-to goalscorer, Jamie Vardy turned provider with five key passes, including an assist.
Every day's a win day for Foxes - the stats
Leicester have won back-to-back home league games without conceding in each victory for the first time since January 2018.
This is the first time they have kept a clean sheet in four straight home league matches since February 2016 during their title-winning campaign under Claudio Ranieri.
Sheffield United have gone five away league outings without a win (D2 L3) for the first time since April 2018 in the Championship.
Brendan Rodgers is now unbeaten in 15 home Premier League matches against promoted clubs (W11 D4) across his time in charge at both Leicester and Liverpool.
Leicester have completed a league double over Sheffield United for the first time since the 1928-29 campaign.
Leicester have now won a Premier League game on every day of the week, with this their first top-flight victory on a Thursday since December 1985 versus Aston Villa (3-1).
Aged 19 years 36 days, Luke Thomas became the third youngest player to make his first Premier League start for Leicester City, after Emile Heskey (17y 56d v QPR in March 1995) and Stuart Campbell (18y 357d v Man Utd in November 1996).
Thomas is also the youngest English player to assist a goal on his Premier League debut since Marcus Rashford for Manchester United in February 2016 (18y 120d), and was and the 15th English teenager to do so overall.
'We never deserved anything'
Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder: "We were way off of it. We have taken some enormous steps forward this season, but the goalkeeper kept us in the game. We never deserved anything form the game - off it from the first minute to the 90th, no excuse from us. Technically very poor, physically out-fought.
"We have done a job on a couple of teams recently but their fight was bigger than ours and they wanted the result more.
"They were sharper, quicker in thought and in action. We have helped them get going again."
Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers on Sky Sports: "I thought we were brilliant, Sheffield United deserve so much credit for how they have worked and how Chris Wilder has got them playing, but we were outstanding.
"We have played well since we have come back but not been consistent enough. Tonight we were able to do that. A very good performance.
"The result gives us the second-highest finish in Leicester's history. We have two games to go to create some more history."
What next?
Leicester visit Tottenham on Sunday (16:00 BST), while Sheffield United host Everton on Monday (18:00).


bbc--2020-07-16--Friday's football gossip - Pogba ready to sign new Man Utd deal

France midfielder Paul Pogba , 27 , is close to agreeing a new five-year deal with Manchester United .
( Sun ) Bayer Leverkusen have accepted that Germany midfielder Kai Havertz , 21 , has chosen to join Chelsea but the Bundesliga outfit want to delay the transfer until the end of August .
( Daily Star ) Ajax and Argentina left-back Nicolas Tagliafico , 27 , is a potential transfer target for Manchester City this summer .
( Sports Illustrated ) Spanish midfielder Thiago Alcantara , 29 , is confident of completing a move to Liverpool after he turned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
( Daily Mirror ) Arsenal are keen to recruit France Under-21 defender Malang Sarr but the 21-year-old - available on a free transfer from Nice - has already been sounded out by clubs in Italy and Germany .
( Sun ) Manchester United have agreed a deal with Real Madrid 's 17-year-old left-back Alvaro Fernandez Carreras , who will pen a four-year deal at Old Trafford .
( AS - in Spanish ) Former Southampton and Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino is on the shortlist of candidates at Inter Milan and Juventus should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - Antonio Conte and Maurizio Sarri respectively - at the end of the season .
( Daily Telegraph ) Inter coach Conte must convince the club 's board to agree to N'Golo Kante 's salary and sign the 29-year-old France midfielder from Chelsea .
( SempreInter ) English midfielder Jude Bellingham , 17 , has completed a medical at Borussia Dortmund before his proposed transfer from Birmingham but will finish the Championship season with the Blues .
( Sky Sports ) Algerian defender Yasser Larouci , 19 , is set to leave Liverpool @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among the clubs interested in signing the full-back .
( Goal.com ) Tottenham could be without Ivory Coast defender Serge Aurier , 27 , for the remainder of the campaign after he returned to France following the death of his brother .
( Evening Standard ) Everton have made an offer for Napoli midfielder Allan , but the Italian club are stalling on a deal for the 29-year-old Brazil international .
( Sport Witness ) Manager Roy Hodgson says the arrival of fresh faces at Crystal Palace this summer will allow the Eagles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a top-10 place .
( Evening Standard ) Manchester United have no plans to reintegrate Argentina defender Marcos Rojo , 30 , into their first-team squad after his disappointing loan with Estudiantes .
( Manchester Evening News ) Argentine-born former Italy defender Ezequiel Schelotto , 31 , has revealed he is leaving Brighton and has targeted a return to a club in Serie A .
( The Argus ) West Ham , Norwich and Watford are in the hunt to sign QPR 's Republic of Ireland midfielder Ryan Manning , 24 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rodgers is keeping tabs on Roma 's Amadou Diawara .
The Guinea midfielder , who turns 23 on Friday , has also been linked with Tottenham and Newcastle .
( Leicester Mercury ) Walsall remain in negotiation talks with English midfielder Danny Guthrie , 33 , over a new contract .
( Express & Star )

Last updated on .From the section Gossip
Former Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton boss Mauricio Pochettino is on the shortlist of candidates for Inter Milan and Juventus should the Italian clubs sack their managers - Antonio Conte and Maurizio Sarri respectively - at the end of the season. (Telegraph - subscription required) external-link
Inter coach Conte must convince the club's board to agree to N'Golo Kante's salary, which is the main obstacle to them signing the 29-year-old Chelsea and France midfielder.(SempreInter) external-link
Tottenham are interested in signing 24-year-old English winger Demarai Gray, who has entered the final year of his contract at Leicester City. (Times - subscription required) external-link
Ajax and Argentina left-back Nicolas Tagliafico, 27, is a potential transfer target for Manchester City this summer. (Sports Illustrated) external-link
Bayer Leverkusen have accepted that Germany midfielder Kai Havertz, 21, has chosen to join Chelsea, but the Bundesliga outfit want to delay the transfer until the end of August. (Star) external-link
Meanwhile, Blues defender Antonio Rudiger's future at Stamford Bridge is in doubt, with no formal discussions having taken place over a new deal for the the 27-year-old Germany international, who has two years left on his contract. (Mail) external-link
How to watch and follow the FA Cup on the BBC this weekend Semi-final transmission details
West Ham United are likely to sell Brazil midfielder Felipe Anderson, 27, this summer even if they stay in the Premier League. (Times - subscription required) external-link
Bayern Munich's Spanish midfielder Thiago Alcantara, 29, is confident of completing a move to Liverpool after turning down a new contract with the Bundesliga champions.(Mirror) external-link
Burnley and Newcastle United are interested in Sheffield United's 32-year-old English defender Chris Basham, who has one year left on his Blades deal. (Mail) external-link
Arsenal are keen to sign France Under-21 defender Malang Sarr but the 21-year-old - available on a free transfer from Nice - is also a target for clubs in Italy and Germany. (Sun) external-link
Manchester United have agreed a deal with Real Madrid's 17-year-old Spanish left-back Alvaro Fernandez Carreras, who will sign a four-year deal at Old Trafford. (AS - in Spanish) external-link
Spurs could be without Ivory Coast defender Serge Aurier for the remainder of the campaign after the 27-year-old returned to France following the death of his brother. (Evening Standard) external-link
Manchester City have agreed personal terms with Valencia's Spanish winger Ferran Torres, 20. (Eurosport) external-link
Manchester United have no plans to reintegrate Argentina defender Marcos Rojo, 30, into their first-team squad after his disappointing loan spell with Estudiantes in his homeland.(Manchester Evening News) external-link
Former Italy defender Ezequiel Schelotto, 31, has revealed he is leaving Brighton and has targeted a return to a club in Serie A. (The Argus) external-link
West Ham, Norwich and Watford are competing to sign to sign QPR's Republic of Ireland midfielder Ryan Manning, 24. (Football Insider) external-link


bbc--2020-07-16--Zizou the mastermind & brilliant Benzema - how Real Madrid won back La Liga

Real Madrid have been crowned Spanish champions after a 2-1 victory over Villarreal on Thursday night , taking the title with a run of 10 consecutive victories since action restarted last month .
It has been an impressive turnaround for Zinedine Zidane 's team , who finished 19 points behind Barcelona last season with virtually the same squad .
And the title triumph represents a new era for Los Blancos , who have become a very different team - for the better - since Zidane returned for his second tenure at the Bernabeu last March .
Here 's how they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hailed for his man-management abilities , with his regal aura allowing him to command respect and instil unity .
In the past , though , it was regularly suggested that the Frenchman was tactically weak , broadly limiting his strategy to sending out his best players and trusting them to find their own solutions .
That resulted in an inconsistent team , capable of turning on the style often enough to win three consecutive Champions League crowns but unable to withstand the game-by-game rigours of an arduous league campaign .
After finishing miles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ races , though , Zidane identified his team 's weaknesses and rectified them .
Essentially , Real have become far more compact , leaving less space for opponents to exploit and working together with a collective determination to protect their goal .
In contrast to the cavalier style of recent years , which always left them vulnerable , they are now perfectly balanced and very difficult to score against .
As a result , they boast the best defensive record in La Liga , having conceded just 23 goals in 37 league games @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they allowed in the previous two campaigns ( 46 last season , 44 in 2017-18 ) .
That has been achieved partly through excellent individual performances : Ferland Mendy has added greater defensive awareness at left-back ; Raphael Varane has enjoyed the best season of his career ; Thibaut Courtois is back to his best in goal ; Sergio Ramos remains a ferociously competitive leader , and nobody protects a back four better than defensive midfielder Casemiro .
Far more important than individual form , though , is the collective mindset and tactical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This title , without doubt , has been built on defensive foundations .
The team ethic is also reflected in the list of goalscorers , with 21 different players getting on the scoresheet over the league campaign - something never previously seen in La Liga .
Back-up defender Eder Militao and rarely used winger Brahim Diaz are the only outfield players who have n't scored .
In a way , this reflects badly on the team 's forwards , none of whom have mustered more than three league goals except Karim Benzema @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who has netted six of his 10 goals from the penalty spot , followed by midfielders Toni Kroos and Casemiro with four apiece .
But that has not mattered because , in the same way that everyone has been responsible for the defensive improvement rather than just the back four , Zidane encourages every player to get themselves into scoring positions .
That also points to Zidane 's willingness to trust his full squad .
Every available player - even the unwanted Gareth Bale and James Rodriguez - has started at least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and Zidane 's ability to make every player feel needed and important ( well , nearly every player ) remains unmatched .
One forward who has n't disappointed in the scoring stakes is Benzema , who has been consistently outstanding to produce 21 goals and eight assists .
More than those numbers , though , Benzema is so valuable for his elegant and unselfish link-up play .
In addition to leading the line , he regularly drops into midfield or drifts to the left wing to combine with his team-mates , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and maintain possession .
Benzema has undoubtedly benefited from the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo , now being able to serve as the focal point of the team 's attacking play rather than being chiefly expected to service the Portuguese star .
He has more than doubled his goals tally since Ronaldo joined Juventus , netting 42 league goals in the past two seasons , compared with 16 in the previous two .
Benzema makes his team-mates better and his growing understanding with Eden Hazard has been particularly delightful to watch , while young @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also blossoming under his guidance .
Crucially , he has also stayed fit enough to play more minutes than any other outfield player .
Along with Casemiro , he is the only member of the squad who does n't have a natural replacement .
Even better news for Real Madrid fans is that the future looks bright .
Although Ramos ( 34 ) , Modric ( 34 ) and Benzema ( 32 ) are in the latter stages of their careers , the bulk of the squad is deep and relatively young and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Fede Valverde should only get better .
The club also has an impressive array of talented youngsters out on loan , including creative midfielder Martin Odegaard ( Real Sociedad ) , dazzling winger Take Kubo ( Mallorca ) and hard-charging left-back Sergio Reguilon ( Sevilla ) .
Offloading Bale and James , if anyone is prepared to meet their wage demands , would raise the necessary funds to add depth in midfield and recruit a long-term replacement for Benzema , with fellow Frenchman Kylian Mbappe still the preferred choice for that role @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Champions League deficit against Manchester City might prove beyond them , especially with inspirational captain Ramos suspended , but the progress made by Zidane 's team in this triumphant season suggests Barcelona 's days of dominance in Spain are over .

Karim Benzema, Zinedine Zidane, Federico Valverde, Casemiro and Thibaut Courtois have all played big roles in Real Madrid's title win this season
Real Madrid have been crowned Spanish champions after a 2-1 victory over Villarreal on Thursday night, taking the title with a run of 10 consecutive victories since action restarted last month.
It has been an impressive turnaround for Zinedine Zidane's team, who finished 19 points behind Barcelona last season with virtually the same squad.
And the title triumph represents a new era for Los Blancos, who have become a very different team - for the better - since Zidane returned for his second tenure at the Bernabeu last March.
Here's how they did it.
Zizou masterminds defensive transformation
Zinedine Zidane is the only Real Madrid manager to win La Liga since 2011-12
Zidane has always been hailed for his man-management abilities, with his regal aura allowing him to command respect and instil unity.
In the past, though, it was regularly suggested that the Frenchman was tactically weak, broadly limiting his strategy to sending out his best players and trusting them to find their own solutions.
That resulted in an inconsistent team, capable of turning on the style often enough to win three consecutive Champions League crowns but unable to withstand the game-by-game rigours of an arduous league campaign.
After finishing miles behind Barcelona in the past two title races, though, Zidane identified his team's weaknesses and rectified them.
Essentially, Real have become far more compact, leaving less space for opponents to exploit and working together with a collective determination to protect their goal. In contrast to the cavalier style of recent years, which always left them vulnerable, they are now perfectly balanced and very difficult to score against.
As a result, they boast the best defensive record in La Liga, having conceded just 23 goals in 37 league games - almost halving the number of goals they allowed in the previous two campaigns (46 last season, 44 in 2017-18).
That has been achieved partly through excellent individual performances: Ferland Mendy has added greater defensive awareness at left-back; Raphael Varane has enjoyed the best season of his career; Thibaut Courtois is back to his best in goal; Sergio Ramos remains a ferociously competitive leader, and nobody protects a back four better than defensive midfielder Casemiro.
Far more important than individual form, though, is the collective mindset and tactical discipline instilled by Zidane throughout the team. This title, without doubt, has been built on defensive foundations.
Goals from everywhere
The team ethic is also reflected in the list of goalscorers, with 21 different players getting on the scoresheet over the league campaign - something never previously seen in La Liga.
Back-up defender Eder Militao and rarely used winger Brahim Diaz are the only outfield players who haven't scored.
In a way, this reflects badly on the team's forwards, none of whom have mustered more than three league goals except Karim Benzema. The second-highest scorer is captain Ramos, who has netted six of his 10 goals from the penalty spot, followed by midfielders Toni Kroos and Casemiro with four apiece.
But that has not mattered because, in the same way that everyone has been responsible for the defensive improvement rather than just the back four, Zidane encourages every player to get themselves into scoring positions.
That also points to Zidane's willingness to trust his full squad. Every available player - even the unwanted Gareth Bale and James Rodriguez - has started at least one game since last month's restart, and Zidane's ability to make every player feel needed and important (well, nearly every player) remains unmatched.
Brilliant Benzema
Only Lionel Messi has scored more La Liga goals than Karim Benzema this season
One forward who hasn't disappointed in the scoring stakes is Benzema, who has been consistently outstanding to produce 21 goals and eight assists.
More than those numbers, though, Benzema is so valuable for his elegant and unselfish link-up play. In addition to leading the line, he regularly drops into midfield or drifts to the left wing to combine with his team-mates, who appreciate enormously his ability to find space and maintain possession.
Benzema has undoubtedly benefited from the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, now being able to serve as the focal point of the team's attacking play rather than being chiefly expected to service the Portuguese star.
He has more than doubled his goals tally since Ronaldo joined Juventus, netting 42 league goals in the past two seasons, compared with 16 in the previous two.
Benzema makes his team-mates better and his growing understanding with Eden Hazard has been particularly delightful to watch, while young Brazilian wingers Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo are also blossoming under his guidance.
Crucially, he has also stayed fit enough to play more minutes than any other outfield player. Along with Casemiro, he is the only member of the squad who doesn't have a natural replacement.
A bright future?
Federico Valverde, 21, has made 42 appearances for Real Madrid this season
Even better news for Real Madrid fans is that the future looks bright.
Although Ramos (34), Modric (34) and Benzema (32) are in the latter stages of their careers, the bulk of the squad is deep and relatively young and players like Vinicius, Rodrygo, Mendy and Fede Valverde should only get better.
The club also has an impressive array of talented youngsters out on loan, including creative midfielder Martin Odegaard (Real Sociedad), dazzling winger Take Kubo (Mallorca) and hard-charging left-back Sergio Reguilon (Sevilla).
Offloading Bale and James, if anyone is prepared to meet their wage demands, would raise the necessary funds to add depth in midfield and recruit a long-term replacement for Benzema, with fellow Frenchman Kylian Mbappe still the preferred choice for that role.
The next immediate task of overturning a Champions League deficit against Manchester City might prove beyond them, especially with inspirational captain Ramos suspended, but the progress made by Zidane's team in this triumphant season suggests Barcelona's days of dominance in Spain are over.