bbc--2020-12-29--Athletic Bilbao v Real Sociedad: How La Real's trust in youth is paying off

Last updated on .From the section European Football Perched on Spain 's northern coast are rival clubs whose unique philosophies set them apart from the rest of La Liga .
The San Sebastian side 's form has stuttered of late , dropping out of top spot during a winless run in December that has included defeats by Atletico Madrid and Barcelona .
But La Real remain in the Champions League places and have caught the eye with their possession-based , attacking style of football .
`` We have a style of play that favours the squad we have and suits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` What 's more important is that whoever plays in the team , while still important , it is less important when the idea is clear and we know what we have to do . ''
That philosophy permeates through the club , who will face Manchester United in the Europa League last 32 in February , and is helped by the first-team squad boasting 16 academy products .
Few top European clubs have put as much emphasis on integrating young players into their side as La Real , whose unique approach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ level .
Academy director Luki Iriarte says the club wants youngsters to `` have the chance to be kids first '' , allowing them to work on different sports before committing to football .
The club does not believe in entering academy tournaments too early and feels their approach allows players to arrive `` as open-minded , more flexible individuals '' .
Real Sociedad 's state-of-the-art Zubieta training base , located in the Gipuzkoa countryside 15 minutes outside San Sebastian , is home to both their first team and young players .
Manager @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , playing more than 100 times in the club 's first team , while reserve team boss Xabi Alonso also began his career there .
It worked for the likes of World Cup winners Alonso and Antoine Griezmann , who joined Sociedad after failing to find a French club and went on to score 52 times in 201 games before leaving for Atletico Madrid in 2014 .
Spain 's Alonso also moved on , joining Liverpool before trophy-laden spells with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich .
Spain full-back Alvaro Odriozola is another to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Illarramendi , before returning to San Sebastian .
So how do the club stop their best prospects being poached ?
`` We want every generation to be better than the last , '' says Iriarte .
`` This job is n't something that happens at the last moment .
The player gets to choose .
`` We are very aware we have to take care of our players right from day one , with them being able to see we are committed to the youth system and that our philosophy is based on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not always going to be able to keep every player who comes through .
Xabi Alonso for example left , Illarramendi left and came back , Xabi Prieto was able to stay - he spent his entire career here at Real Sociedad and we hope for the same outcome for Oyarzabal .
He 's got the opportunity to continue growing here .
`` It is a job we have to do on an everyday basis , to make the players feel they can complete their objectives here at Real Sociedad . ''
Spain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most exciting product since now-Barcelona forward Griezmann , while 19-year-old winger Ander Barrenetxea - the club 's youngest debutant in more than 80 years - also looks set to have a big future .
Born in Eibar , halfway between San Sebastian and Bilbao , 23-year-old Oyarzabal arrived at La Real 's academy from his hometown club in 2011 at the age of 14 and was handed his first-team debut by David Moyes four years later .
Sporting director Roberto Olabe , another former Sociedad player , has complemented the club 's successful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the signing of David Silva from Manchester City on a free transfer this season .
Breaking from the tradition of only using Basque players in 1989 has allowed La Real to fine tune their squad with talents from outside the region .
Rivals Athletic Bilbao still stick to this principle , making their longevity particularly impressive .
They have never been relegated from the top flight and will at some point meet Real Sociedad in last season 's delayed Copa del Rey final .
A focus on producing home-grown talents is arguably @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rivals , because of the limited talent pool from which they can recruit .
They went 884 days between August 2015 and January 2018 without making a transfer , bringing that spell to an end with the signing of defender Inigo Martinez from Real Sociedad .
Like La Real , they boast a top-class academy at Lezama and have 16 graduates in their squad , but have failed to hold on to some of their most talented players in recent seasons , with defender Aymeric Laporte joining Manchester City and goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never easy to bring in talent , '' explains former Athletic striker Aritz Aduriz , who began his career at Lezama and played more than 300 games during three spells for Athletic , before retiring earlier this year .
`` Athletic have over 120 years of history of doing this , bringing through players in their own way and getting players from the youth system or around the region . ''
Aduriz says , with five clubs from the Basque Country now in La Liga , there is stiff competition for talented youngsters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bilbao gives them an edge .
`` The teams around us are getting stronger all the time .
It is not easy to pick players up from other clubs , '' adds the 39-year-old .
`` But it is bearing fruit .
`` I am very proud of the way things are done here .
I always use the phrase a 'group of friends ' or 'family ' to describe us .
These words are well integrated with the philosophy of the club . ''
• None Think you 've eaten enough to @ @ @ @

Real Sociedad finished sixth last season to qualify for the Europa League
Perched on Spain's northern coast are rival clubs whose unique philosophies set them apart from the rest of La Liga.
For Real Sociedad, faith in their academy is bearing fruit as they travel to Athletic Bilbao for the Basque derby on Thursday looking to reignite an unlikely title challenge.
The San Sebastian side's form has stuttered of late, dropping out of top spot during a winless run in December that has included defeats by Atletico Madrid and Barcelona.
But La Real remain in the Champions League places and have caught the eye with their possession-based, attacking style of football.
"We have a style of play that favours the squad we have and suits everyone," explains winger Mikel Oyarzabal.
"What's more important is that whoever plays in the team, while still important, it is less important when the idea is clear and we know what we have to do."
That philosophy permeates through the club, who will face Manchester United in the Europa League last 32 in February, and is helped by the first-team squad boasting 16 academy products.
Letting talented youngsters 'be kids'
Few top European clubs have put as much emphasis on integrating young players into their side as La Real, whose unique approach includes only signing academy players at under-13 level.
Academy director Luki Iriarte says the club wants youngsters to "have the chance to be kids first", allowing them to work on different sports before committing to football.
The club does not believe in entering academy tournaments too early and feels their approach allows players to arrive "as open-minded, more flexible individuals".
Real Sociedad's state-of-the-art Zubieta training base, located in the Gipuzkoa countryside 15 minutes outside San Sebastian, is home to both their first team and young players.
Manager Imanol Alguacil is a product of Zubieta, playing more than 100 times in the club's first team, while reserve team boss Xabi Alonso also began his career there.
Sociedad's Zubieta base opened in 1980 and they won successive titles in the following two years
It worked for the likes of World Cup winners Alonso and Antoine Griezmann, who joined Sociedad after failing to find a French club and went on to score 52 times in 201 games before leaving for Atletico Madrid in 2014.
Spain's Alonso also moved on, joining Liverpool before trophy-laden spells with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
Spain full-back Alvaro Odriozola is another to join Real Madrid, as did Asier Illarramendi, before returning to San Sebastian. So how do the club stop their best prospects being poached?
"We want every generation to be better than the last," says Iriarte.
"This job isn't something that happens at the last moment. The player gets to choose.
"We are very aware we have to take care of our players right from day one, with them being able to see we are committed to the youth system and that our philosophy is based on that.
"We know we are not always going to be able to keep every player who comes through. Xabi Alonso for example left, Illarramendi left and came back, Xabi Prieto was able to stay - he spent his entire career here at Real Sociedad and we hope for the same outcome for Oyarzabal. He's got the opportunity to continue growing here.
"It is a job we have to do on an everyday basis, to make the players feel they can complete their objectives here at Real Sociedad."
How Sociedad broke from tradition
David Silva has played in 11 of La Real's 16 La Liga games this season
Spain international Oyarzabal is regarded as Zubieta's most exciting product since now-Barcelona forward Griezmann, while 19-year-old winger Ander Barrenetxea - the club's youngest debutant in more than 80 years - also looks set to have a big future.
Born in Eibar, halfway between San Sebastian and Bilbao, 23-year-old Oyarzabal arrived at La Real's academy from his hometown club in 2011 at the age of 14 and was handed his first-team debut by David Moyes four years later.
Sporting director Roberto Olabe, another former Sociedad player, has complemented the club's successful academy programme with smart recruitment, highlighted by the signing of David Silva from Manchester City on a free transfer this season.
Breaking from the tradition of only using Basque players in 1989 has allowed La Real to fine tune their squad with talents from outside the region.
Rivals Athletic Bilbao still stick to this principle, making their longevity particularly impressive.
They have never been relegated from the top flight and will at some point meet Real Sociedad in last season's delayed Copa del Rey final.
Athletic captain Iker Muniain, born in Pamplona, has spent his whole career at the club
A focus on producing home-grown talents is arguably more important for Athletic than their Basque rivals, because of the limited talent pool from which they can recruit.
They went 884 days between August 2015 and January 2018 without making a transfer, bringing that spell to an end with the signing of defender Inigo Martinez from Real Sociedad.
Like La Real, they boast a top-class academy at Lezama and have 16 graduates in their squad, but have failed to hold on to some of their most talented players in recent seasons, with defender Aymeric Laporte joining Manchester City and goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga signing for Chelsea.
"It is never easy to bring in talent," explains former Athletic striker Aritz Aduriz, who began his career at Lezama and played more than 300 games during three spells for Athletic, before retiring earlier this year.
"Athletic have over 120 years of history of doing this, bringing through players in their own way and getting players from the youth system or around the region."
Aduriz says, with five clubs from the Basque Country now in La Liga, there is stiff competition for talented youngsters, but suggests the idea of representing Bilbao gives them an edge.
"The teams around us are getting stronger all the time. It is not easy to pick players up from other clubs," adds the 39-year-old. "But it is bearing fruit.
"I am very proud of the way things are done here. I always use the phrase a 'group of friends' or 'family' to describe us. These words are well integrated with the philosophy of the club."


bbc--2020-12-29--Bronze? Liverpool? Lewandowski? Rank 2020's top football achievements

BBC Sport has whittled 2020 's achievements down to a top 12 - and we want you to rank them .
Look through our list and use the ranker at the bottom of the page to put them in order .
Tune into BBC Radio 5 Live on Wednesday from 19:00 GMT to hear the result of your selections and find out if the pundits agree ( only ranked lists created before 16:00 GMT on 30 December will count towards the totals ) .
Bayern Munich were crowned European champions for the sixth time thanks to a 1-0 win over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It completed a treble for the German side , who also became the first team to win every single Champions League match in a single campaign - a run that included an 8-2 win over Barcelona .
To top it off , Robert Lewandowski beat 2019 's winner Lionel Messi , plus Cristiano Ronaldo , to win the Fifa best men 's player of 2020 award .
In an incredible 2019-20 season , the Poland striker scored 55 goals in just 47 games .
England 's Lucy Bronze was named Fifa 's best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pernille Harder and Wendie Renard to the award .
It came in a year where Bronze won the treble with Lyon , before a summer move to Manchester City , helping them triumph in the 2020 FA Cup final .
Celtic were confirmed as Scottish champions for the ninth season in a row after average points per game were used to determine final placings for 2019-20 .
Neil Lennon 's side also edged out Hearts on penalties to lift the Scottish Cup for a 40th time and win an unprecedented quadruple treble .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 16 years away , winning the Championship with 93 points .
Argentine Marcelo Bielsa led the Yorkshire side to promotion in his second season in charge after finishing third in the second tier in 2018-19 .
Liverpool 's long wait for a top-flight title ended when Chelsea beat Manchester City 2-1 on 25 June .
With seven matches to spare , the Reds could celebrate being champions again .
It was their 19th English league title , but their first since 1990 .
Lyon won the Women 's Champions League for a fifth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in San Sebastian .
The French side also completed the domestic league and cup double to make it a clean sweep .
Lionel Messi reached two landmarks in 2020 .
In June , he scored the 700th goal of his career with a Panenka-style penalty in Barcelona 's La Liga draw with Atletico Madrid .
Then in December , he notched his 644th Barcelona goal - beating Pele 's world record , set with Santos , for the most goals scored by one player for a single club .
Santos will tell you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ though .
Arsenal 's Vivianne Miedema became the first player to score 50 goals in the Women 's Super League , and did it in style by netting a hat-trick in a 6-1 victory over north London rivals Tottenham in October .
The Netherlands international 's treble saw her move on to 52 goals in 50 appearances in the WSL as she overtook former Manchester City winger Nikita Parris in the all-time standings .
Cristiano Ronaldo became the second man to score 100 international goals , reaching the tally in Portugal 's 2-0 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - now on 102 goals for Portugal - sits second in the all-time list behind Iran 's Ali Daei , who scored 109 times for his country .
After an agonising 23-year absence from men 's tournaments , Scotland beat Serbia in a thrilling penalty shootout to qualify for the delayed Euro 2020 finals .
Steve Clarke 's team will face England , Croatia and the Czech Republic in Group D next summer .
A team who almost got relegated the season before beat the defending champions - who barely ever lose - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Ollie Watkins scored a first-half hat-trick and Jack Grealish had a hand in five goals as Aston Villa deservedly stunned Liverpool .
Wycombe Wanderers defeated Oxford United 2-1 in the League One play-off final at Wembley , earning promotion to the Championship for the first time in the club 's history .
The Chairboys grabbed their first Championship point , eight games into the 2020-21 season , with a draw against Watford at Adams Park .

There were big moments for (from left to right) Lucy Bronze, James Milner, Scott McTominay and Robert Lewandowski in 2020
It's been a tough year.
But amid it all, there have been some remarkable football moments - trophies won, awards claimed, goals plundered, promotions secured and major shocks.
BBC Sport whittled 2020's achievements down to a top 12 and we asked you to rank them. Your verdict is below.
So, what did you decide was the biggest football achievement of 2020?
12. Miedema sets WSL scoring record
Arsenal's Vivianne Miedema became the first player to score 50 goals in the Women's Super League, and did it in style by netting a hat-trick in a 6-1 victory over north London rivals Tottenham in October.
The Netherlands international's treble saw her move on to 52 goals in 50 appearances in the WSL as she overtook former Manchester City winger Nikita Parris in the all-time standings.
11. Villa thrash Liverpool 7-2
A team who almost got relegated the season before beat the defending champions - who barely ever lose - 7-2. On a crazy October night, Ollie Watkins scored a first-half hat-trick and Jack Grealish had a hand in five goals as Aston Villa deservedly stunned Liverpool.
10. Wycombe reach Championship for first time
Wycombe Wanderers defeated Oxford United 2-1 in the League One play-off final at Wembley, earning promotion to the Championship for the first time in the club's history. The Chairboys grabbed their first Championship point, eight games into the 2020-21 season, with a draw against Watford at Adams Park.
9. Lyon win fifth consecutive Women's Champions League
Lyon won the Women's Champions League for a fifth consecutive year when they beat Wolfsburg 3-1 in San Sebastian. The French side also completed the domestic league and cup double to make it a clean sweep.
8. Celtic nine in a row and quadruple treble
Celtic were confirmed as Scottish champions for the ninth season in a row after average points per game were used to determine final placings for 2019-20. Neil Lennon's side also edged out Hearts on penalties to lift the Scottish Cup for a 40th time and win an unprecedented quadruple treble.
7. Bronze named best player in world
England's Lucy Bronze was named Fifa's best women's player in December, beating Pernille Harder and Wendie Renard to the award. It came in a year where Bronze won the treble with Lyon, before a summer move to Manchester City, helping them triumph in the 2020 FA Cup final.
6. Leeds return to Premier League
Leeds returned to the Premier League after 16 years away, winning the Championship with 93 points. Argentine Marcelo Bielsa led the Yorkshire side to promotion in his second season in charge after finishing third in the second tier in 2018-19.
5. Scotland win Euro 2020 play-off
After an agonising 23-year absence from men's tournaments, Scotland beat Serbia in a thrilling penalty shootout to qualify for the delayed Euro 2020 finals. Steve Clarke's team will face England, Croatia and the Czech Republic in Group D next summer.
4. Ronaldo scores 100 international goals
Cristiano Ronaldo became the second man to score 100 international goals, reaching the tally in Portugal's 2-0 Nations League victory over Sweden. Ronaldo - now on 102 goals for Portugal - sits second in the all-time list behind Iran's Ali Daei, who scored 109 times for his country.
3. Messi scores 700th career goal and surpasses Pele
Lionel Messi reached two landmarks in 2020. In June, he scored the 700th goal of his career with a Panenka-style penalty in Barcelona's La Liga draw with Atletico Madrid. Then in December, he notched his 644th Barcelona goal - beating Pele's world record, set with Santos, for the most goals scored by one player for a single club. Santos will tell you that Pele still holds that record, though.
2. Bayern & Lewandowski dominate
Bayern Munich were crowned European champions for the sixth time thanks to a 1-0 win over Paris St-Germain in Lisbon in August. It completed a treble for the German side, who also became the first team to win every single Champions League match in a single campaign - a run that included an 8-2 win over Barcelona. To top it off, Robert Lewandowski beat 2019's winner Lionel Messi, plus Cristiano Ronaldo, to win the Fifa best men's player of 2020 award. In an incredible 2019-20 season, the Poland striker scored 55 goals in just 47 games.
1. Liverpool's title wait finally ends
Liverpool's long wait for a top-flight title ended when Chelsea beat Manchester City 2-1 on 25 June. With seven matches to spare, the Reds could celebrate being champions again. It was their 19th English league title, but their first since 1990.


bbc--2020-12-29--'If that's darts, I'm offski' - Anderson fuming despite beating Suljovic

Last updated on .From the section Darts Gary Anderson said fans would have been better off watching Coronation Street than his 4-3 PDC World Championship third-round win over Mensur Suljovic .
`` It was dire , an absolute joke of a game , '' Anderson told Sky Sports .
`` I 've always played darts , but if that 's darts , I 'm offski . ''
He added : `` If that 's how darts is going to be played , I 'm away for a game of golf .
I 'm not going through that again .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of folk watching at home , they probably turned over and watched Corrie or something - I would have done . ''
Questioning Suljovic 's variable pace of play , Anderson added : `` Was he slow in the last set or the third set ?
No , he was n't slow then .
`` I just want to throw darts and if you get spanked , the boy 's been better than you .
You shake his hand and then you go .
`` But I did n't enjoy that and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ watched it . ''
Anderson - who saw Suljovic miss four darts to close out both the first and third sets before losing them - trailed 3-2 after losing six successive legs .
But the number 13 seed rattled off six legs of his own to finally overcome the Austrian and reach the last 16 .
World number three Gerwyn Price beat Brendan Dolan in another seven-set thriller settled by a last-leg decider .
Welshman Price almost took victory in the sixth set , but missed double top for a match-sealing 145 finish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ short-lived as Price , who averaged 99.74 , took the final set 3-2 to set up a last-16 date with Mervyn King , who earlier beat Grand Slam champion Jose de Sousa , from Portugal , 4-0 .
Price said : `` I was all over the shop .
One minute I was playing really well , the next minute I could n't hit a barn door .
`` I thought the luck was up against me , but I stuck in there until the end and I was thankful to see that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ca n't just think you can turn up and win because anyone can win this tournament , but I never thought Brendan was going to play as well as he did .
Thankfully I got over the line . ''
In the afternoon session , world number six Nathan Aspinall lost 4-2 to Vincent van der Voort .
Van der Voort , the 27th seed , raced into a 2-0 lead before the English sixth seed levelled it at 2-2 .
But Aspinall never looked comfortable and Van der Voort capitalised .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I did n't have the same aggression after the first two sets , but I ca n't complain , '' said the Dutchman .
Van der Voort will next face either Northern Ireland 's Daryl Gurney or England 's Chris Dobey .
World Grand Prix finalist Dirk van Duijvenbode from the Netherlands set up a last-16 meeting with two-time BDO world champion and Premier League winner Glen Durrant after beating Adam Hunt 4-0 .
England 's Durrant , the 12th seed , led American Danny Baggish 3-0 but eventually came through 4-2 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to master this quiz ?

Last updated on .From the section Darts
Gary Anderson was the PDC world champion in 2015 and 2016
Gary Anderson said fans would have been better off watching Coronation Street than his 4-3 PDC World Championship third-round win over Mensur Suljovic.
The Scot, a two-time PDC world champion, missed 33 shots at doubles and admitted to being frustrated by Austrian Suljovic's inconsistent pace of play at London's Alexandra Palace.
"It was dire, an absolute joke of a game," Anderson told Sky Sports.
"I've always played darts, but if that's darts, I'm offski."
He added: "If that's how darts is going to be played, I'm away for a game of golf. I'm not going through that again.
"I'm sure there are 90% of folk watching at home, they probably turned over and watched Corrie or something - I would have done."
Questioning Suljovic's variable pace of play, Anderson added: "Was he slow in the last set or the third set? No, he wasn't slow then.
"I just want to throw darts and if you get spanked, the boy's been better than you. You shake his hand and then you go.
"But I didn't enjoy that and I'm just sorry for the folk who watched it."
Anderson - who saw Suljovic miss four darts to close out both the first and third sets before losing them - trailed 3-2 after losing six successive legs.
But the number 13 seed rattled off six legs of his own to finally overcome the Austrian and reach the last 16.
World number three Gerwyn Price beat Brendan Dolan in another seven-set thriller settled by a last-leg decider.
Welshman Price almost took victory in the sixth set, but missed double top for a match-sealing 145 finish.
Northern Irishman Dolan's reprieve was short-lived as Price, who averaged 99.74, took the final set 3-2 to set up a last-16 date with Mervyn King, who earlier beat Grand Slam champion Jose de Sousa, from Portugal, 4-0.
Price said: "I was all over the shop. One minute I was playing really well, the next minute I couldn't hit a barn door.
"I thought the luck was up against me, but I stuck in there until the end and I was thankful to see that last dart go in.
"You can't just think you can turn up and win because anyone can win this tournament, but I never thought Brendan was going to play as well as he did. Thankfully I got over the line."
In the afternoon session, world number six Nathan Aspinall lost 4-2 to Vincent van der Voort.
Van der Voort, the 27th seed, raced into a 2-0 lead before the English sixth seed levelled it at 2-2.
But Aspinall never looked comfortable and Van der Voort capitalised.
"In the beginning I was good. I didn't have the same aggression after the first two sets, but I can't complain," said the Dutchman.
Van der Voort will next face either Northern Ireland's Daryl Gurney or England's Chris Dobey.
World Grand Prix finalist Dirk van Duijvenbode from the Netherlands set up a last-16 meeting with two-time BDO world champion and Premier League winner Glen Durrant after beating Adam Hunt 4-0.
England's Durrant, the 12th seed, led American Danny Baggish 3-0 but eventually came through 4-2.


bbc--2020-12-28--Washington release Haskins after Covid-19 breach

Last updated on .From the section American Football Washington have released quarterback Dwayne Haskins following his breach of coronavirus protocols @ @ @ @ @ defeat by Carolina Panthers but was replaced in the fourth quarter , having lost possession @ @ @ @ @ two interceptions .
Head coach Ron Rivera the move to release him `` benefits both @ @ @ @ @ Get American Football alerts in the BBC Sport app '' This afternoon I met with @ @ @ @ @ we would be releasing him , '' Rivera said .
`` I told him that @ @ @ @ @ parties that we go our separate ways .
`` We want to thank Dwayne for @ @ @ @ @ seasons and wish him well moving forward . ''
Haskins completed 148 of 241 passes @ @ @ @ @ touchdowns and seven interceptions this season .
He has also fumbled six times .
• @ @ @ @ @ to get NFL videos and news stories sent to your phone • None How to @ @ @ @ @ the BBC • None Think you 've eaten enough to master this quiz ?

Last updated on .From the section American Football
Dwayne Haskins, who was Washington's first-round draft pick in 2019, disappointed against Carolina Panthers
Washington have released quarterback Dwayne Haskins following his breach of coronavirus protocols.
Haskins, 23, was fined $40,000 (£29,400) and removed as a captain last week after being filmed at a party without wearing a mask.
He started Sunday's defeat by Carolina Panthers but was replaced in the fourth quarter, having lost possession with a fumble and thrown two interceptions.
Head coach Ron Rivera the move to release him "benefits both parties".
"This afternoon I met with Dwayne and informed him that we would be releasing him," Rivera said.
"I told him that I believe it benefits both parties that we go our separate ways.
"We want to thank Dwayne for his contributions these last two seasons and wish him well moving forward."
Haskins completed 148 of 241 passes for 1,439 yards with five touchdowns and seven interceptions this season. He has also fumbled six times.


bbc--2020-12-30--Covid-19: US reports first known case of highly-infectious variant

Cases of the new variant have been appearing around the world .
The first two known infections on the North @ @ @ @ @ in Canada at the weekend .

Cases of the new variant have been appearing around the world. The first two known infections on the North American continent came to light in Canada at the weekend.


bbc--2020-12-29--Covid: UK surge in cases an 'extreme concern'

If you are reading this page and ca n't see the form you will need to visit the mobile version @ @ @ @ @ submit your question or comment or you can email us at HaveYourSay @ bbc.co.uk .
@ @ @ @ @ age and location with any submission .

If you are reading this page and can't see the form you will need to visit the mobile version of the BBC website to submit your question or comment or you can email us at HaveYourSay@bbc.co.uk. Please include your name, age and location with any submission.


bbc--2020-12-29--Croatia earthquake: Seven dead as rescuers search rubble for survivors

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bbc--2020-12-29--Argentina abortion: Senate to vote on legalisation

The Son of God was born an outcast , in order to tell us that every outcast is a child @ @ @ @ @ into the world as each child comes into the world , weak and vulnerable , @ @ @ @ @ to accept our weaknesses with tender love .

The president also said providing free and legal abortions up to the 14th week of pregnancy was a matter of public health as "every year around 38,000 women" are taken to hospital due to clandestine terminations and that "since the restoration of democracy [in 1983] more than 3,000 have died".


bbc--2020-12-30--Belarus protests: The demonstrators speaking out in new and creative ways

Demonstrators in Belarus face police brutality and possible detention for participating in protests against the disputed August presidential election .
@ @ @ @ @ to courtyard singing , many are now turning to new and creative ways to voice @ @ @

Demonstrators in Belarus face police brutality and possible detention for participating in protests against the disputed August presidential election.
So, from flash mobs to courtyard singing, many are now turning to new and creative ways to voice their protest.
Video journalist: Abdujalil Abdurasulov


bbc--2020-12-30--Striking news photos from around the world in 2020

A selection of some of the best photographs taken by news agency photographers around the world this year .

Image caption,
A metro train in the city of Spijkenisse, in the Netherlands, rests precariously on an art installation of a whale after crashing through a barrier at the end of the tracks. The sculpture stopped the train from plummeting 10m (32ft) into water below, and the driver walked away uninjured.


bbc--2020-12-29--Alexei Navalny: Russian officials bring new fraud charges

Analysts say the charges are likely to be seen as a sign that the Russian authorities do not want Mr @ @ @ @ @ , though their official position is that he is free to return .

Analysts say the charges are likely to be seen as a sign that the Russian authorities do not want Mr Navalny to return to Russia, though their official position is that he is free to return.


bbc--2020-12-29--Russia police arrest Covid-denying priest Father Sergiy

Legally , the priest has changed his secular name to Nikolai Romanov , in honour of Russia 's last Tsar @ @ @ @ @ emperor and his family were thought to have been buried outside Yekaterinburg after their murders @ @ @ @ @ Sredneuralsk site , and Fr Sergiy is seen as the figurehead of the shadowy `` @ @ @ @ @ the church .

Legally, the priest has changed his secular name to Nikolai Romanov, in honour of Russia's last Tsar Nicholas II. The former emperor and his family were thought to have been buried outside Yekaterinburg after their murders in 1918, near the Sredneuralsk site, and Fr Sergiy is seen as the figurehead of the shadowy "tsar worshipper" movement within the church.


bbc--2020-12-29--Brexit: Boris Johnson urges MPs to back 'historic' trade deal

In a speech opening five hours of Commons debate , Mr Johnson is expected to say : `` The central @ @ @ @ @ to accomplish something which the British people always knew in their hearts could be done @ @ @ @ @ told was impossible - namely that we could trade and cooperate with our European neighbours @ @ @ @ @ friendship and goodwill , whilst retaining sovereign control of our laws and our national destiny @ @

"We now have a new future to look forward to," he said. "It won't be the same. We should never have pretended it will and that's OK. It is time to come together and to move on."


bbc--2020-12-29--Nashulai: The community trying to conserve Kenya's wildlife

In Kenya , communities are starting to rethink wildlife conservation .
Traditional methods often meant moving indigenous people from their @ @ @ @ @ protected areas and wildlife .
Nashulai , on the edge of Kenya ’ s world @ @ @ @ @ , wants to change that .
It ’ s a conservancy where humans and animals @ @ @ @ @ practices .
BBC Africa correspondent Catherine Byaruhanga and video journalist Michael Onyiego went to visit @

In Kenya, communities are starting to rethink wildlife conservation. Traditional methods often meant moving indigenous people from their land to make way for protected areas and wildlife.
Nashulai, on the edge of Kenya’s world famous Maasai Mara National Reserve, wants to change that. It’s a conservancy where humans and animals live side-by-side, reviving ancient practices.
BBC Africa correspondent Catherine Byaruhanga and video journalist Michael Onyiego went to visit.


bbc--2020-12-29--Ahmed Bassem Zaki: Egypt jails harassing student who sparked MeToo campaign

Prosecutors ordered the arrest of several suspects in August this year - but witnesses and others associated with the case @ @ @ @ @ subjected to invasive examinations .
Activists said this gave women the message that reporting a @ @ @ @ @ witness could put them at risk of arrest .

Prosecutors ordered the arrest of several suspects in August this year - but witnesses and others associated with the case were also detained and reportedly subjected to invasive examinations. Activists said this gave women the message that reporting a rape or acting as a witness could put them at risk of arrest.


bbc--2020-12-29--Renowned Chinese pianist Fou Ts'ong dies of Covid-19

Staying true to his earlier training in Poland , Fou became especially known for his interpretations of Chopin .
He @ @ @ @ @ the Polish composer , and the Chopin Institute said in a statement on Wednesday that @ @ @ @ @ closure of an extremely important page in the Chopin tradition '' .

Staying true to his earlier training in Poland, Fou became especially known for his interpretations of Chopin. He continued to be associated with the Polish composer, and the Chopin Institute said in a statement on Wednesday that his death marked "the closure of an extremely important page in the Chopin tradition".


bbc--2020-12-29--Coronavirus: 'No liquor in teapots', South Africa's restaurants warned

`` As we had to in the early days of the lockdown , we now have to flatten the curve @ @ @ @ @ our healthcare system to enable it to respond effectively to this new wave of infections @ @ @ @ @ on Monday .

"As we had to in the early days of the lockdown, we now have to flatten the curve to protect the capacity of our healthcare system to enable it to respond effectively to this new wave of infections," Mr Ramaphosa said on Monday.


bbc--2020-12-30--2020 and me: 'We need to learn life lessons from this'

2020 has affected different people across the world , but for the elderly , the Covid-19 pandemic has been particularly @ @ @ @ @ , a 71-year-old from Karachi in Pakistan , the year has been one of tragedy @ @ @ @ @ after a long battle with illness , and wasn ’ t able to invite friends @ @ @ @ @ because of the lockdown in the country at the time .
Now , with restrictions @ @ @ @ @ she reflects on the year ’ s events , and what she thinks the world @ @ @ @ @ This film was made by BBC Urdu ’ s Karim ul-Islam , as part of @ @ @ @ @ me ’ , a short series of films from around the world looking at how @ @ @ @ @ affected them .
*This film was made following local distancing rules .

2020 has affected different people across the world, but for the elderly, the Covid-19 pandemic has been particularly devastating.
For Mahnaz Rehman, a 71-year-old from Karachi in Pakistan, the year has been one of tragedy. She lost her husband after a long battle with illness, and wasn’t able to invite friends or family to the funeral because of the lockdown in the country at the time.
Now, with restrictions eased, she explains how she reflects on the year’s events, and what she thinks the world should learn from them.
This film was made by BBC Urdu’s Karim ul-Islam, as part of the series ‘2020 and me’, a short series of films from around the world looking at how the events of 2020 have affected them.
Series producer: Dan Curtis
*This film was made following local distancing rules.


bbc--2020-12-29--Nashville explosion: Bodycam footage shows moments before and after bomb

Nashville Police have released bodycam footage showing the moments before and after a van exploded on Christmas Day .
Video @ @ @ @ @ around the camper van in the downtown area .
The van had been playing recorded @ @ @ @ @ bomb and telling people to evacuate .
Three people were injured in the explosion .
@ @ @ @ @ Anthony Quinn Warner , was killed in the blast .
Read more : Motives still @ @ @ @ @ '

Nashville Police have released bodycam footage showing the moments before and after a van exploded on Christmas Day.
Video shows officers evacuating the streets around the camper van in the downtown area.
The van had been playing recorded messages warning passers-by of a bomb and telling people to evacuate.
Three people were injured in the explosion. The suspect, named as Anthony Quinn Warner, was killed in the blast.
Read more: Motives still unclear in Nashville 'suicide bomb'


bbc--2020-12-29--Cassette sales double in a year with Lady Gaga best-selling album on tape

But cassette sales have been going up for a few years now , which BPI boss Geoff Taylor puts down @ @ @ @ @ of collectable physical formats '' .

But cassette sales have been going up for a few years now, which BPI boss Geoff Taylor puts down to "the timeless appeal of collectable physical formats".


bbc--2020-12-30--Quarantine meals: The 2020 food trend no-one predicted

There are other stories of horror which emerge while swapping stories with friends around the globe .
A dal and @ @ @ @ @ Lankan particularly upset ( why ?
she still cries , months on ) , while @ @ @ @ @ Singaporean quarantiner were described as `` looking like worms '' .
A colleague later analysed @ @ @ @ @ and declared they were actually known locally as rat 's tail noodles .

There are other stories of horror which emerge while swapping stories with friends around the globe. A dal and noodle combination got one Sri Lankan particularly upset (why? she still cries, months on), while noodles received by a fellow Singaporean quarantiner were described as "looking like worms". A colleague later analysed a picture of said noodles and declared they were actually known locally as rat's tail noodles.


bbc--2020-12-30--Fashion lookahead: Eight major 2021 looks from tie-dye to pastels

`` If you rushed to buy some basic masks a few months back , do n't hesitate to invest in @ @ @ @ @ as well as masks you simply find attractive now that we 're in it for @ @ @ @ @ more you like the masks you 've got , the easier they are to commit @ @ @ @

"If you rushed to buy some basic masks a few months back, don't hesitate to invest in both high-quality, breathable fabrics as well as masks you simply find attractive now that we're in it for the long haul. The more you like the masks you've got, the easier they are to commit to wearing."


bbc--2020-12-30--What my grandfather's life taught me about China and America

Then , when the fight against the Japanese finally ended , civil war resumed .
My grandfather , like many @ @ @ @ @ alongside the Nationalists .
By the late 1940s it became clear the Communists were going @ @ @ @ @ he was given the choice to leave for the island of Taiwan , along with @ @ @ @

Then, when the fight against the Japanese finally ended, civil war resumed. My grandfather, like many of his friends, fought alongside the Nationalists. By the late 1940s it became clear the Communists were going to take over, and he was given the choice to leave for the island of Taiwan, along with other defeated Nationalists.


bbc--2020-12-30--Notable African deaths of 2020: From jazz legends to football heroes

She grew up at the height of the fight against white-minority rule with her father imprisoned on Robben Island and @ @ @ @ @ the apartheid regime .
In February 1985 she read out her father 's rejection of @ @ @ @ @ of conditional release from prison at a public meeting .
She went on to become @ @ @ @ @ right , pushing for radical land reforms .
Read more here .

We also lost: Burundi's President Pierre Nkurunziza, who had been in power for 15 years. When the ex-rebel leader first came into office after the civil war, he seemed committed to peace, but his campaign for a third term in office in 2015 plunged the country into chaos. He had been preparing to step down as president to become Burundi's "supreme guide to patriotism".


bbc--2020-12-29--Pierre Cardin: Designer who was 'one step ahead of tomorrow'

In 2011 , Cardin tried to sell the business .
He wanted a billion euros although it was probably worth @ @ @ @ @ One problem was that neither he , not indeed anybody else , had much of @ @ @ @ @ was making - it was all so dependent on the licences .
He ended up @ @ @

In 2011, Cardin tried to sell the business. He wanted a billion euros although it was probably worth a fraction of that. One problem was that neither he, not indeed anybody else, had much of a clue how much he was making - it was all so dependent on the licences. He ended up never selling.


bbc--2020-12-29--Allardyce wants Premier League 'circuit break' as Covid cases rise

Last updated on .From the section Premier League West Brom boss Sam Allardyce says football needs a break after the Premier League returned its highest number of positive coronavirus results in a single round of tests this season .
New coronavirus cases at Fulham mean their Premier League match at Tottenham on Wednesday is in doubt .
`` I 'm very concerned for myself and football in general , '' said Allardyce .
Sheffield United have confirmed they had `` numerous positive tests '' in the latest round of testing .
On Monday , Manchester City 's Premier League match @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kick-off because of a coronavirus outbreak .
Allardyce said a `` circuit break '' was the `` right thing '' to do to cope with the outbreak .
`` Everyone 's safety is more important than anything else , '' he added after West Brom 's 5-0 home defeat by Leeds on Tuesday .
`` When I listen to the news that the variant virus transmits quicker than the original virus , we can only do the right thing , which is have a circuit break .
`` I am 66 years old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do is catch Covid .
`` As much as we 're getting tested - we had one positive this week - it seems to be creeping round .
No matter how hard we try , no matter how many times we get tested , how we wear our masks , how we sanitise our hands , we 're still catching a lot infections round the country .
`` If that helps [ circuit breaker ] , let 's do it and let the season run a little longer when we get through it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from home via a video link for his side 's goalless draw with West Ham on Tuesday after a member of his household tested positive for coronavirus .
In the EFL , coronavirus outbreaks at clubs saw seven of Tuesday 's 12 scheduled League One games postponed .
In League Two , a coronavirus outbreak at Morecambe has caused two of their games - at Bolton Wanderers and Bradford - to be postponed .
Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo also reacted to the latest round of Premier League testing figures after his side @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday .
`` The rising of the cases is increasing massively over the country and we are not an exception , '' said the Portuguese .
`` Some things are impossible to avoid .
If there 's a break coming , then people have to sit down and see if it 's for the better . ''
Analysis - 'It appears the game is approaching a crossroads' It might be easy to view Allardyce 's comments as being a diversionary tactic after a particularly bad night for his new team but the idea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about .
The Premier League itself is not raising it - but those running clubs are talking about it .
But whichever way they turn , the route is fraught with problems .
If football stopped now , who is to say when the situation will be better ?
If this is not the worst point , what is the point , especially when the government is not asking for it ?
And , as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer pointed out when I asked the Manchester United manager what he thought about it after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the games get played ?
Logistically , there is no scope for the season to be put back without the European Championship scheduled for June being moved - and that is highly unlikely to happen .
Then there is the potential rebate for TV companies - which clubs are going to vote for that ?
But , if the league ploughs on regardless , what happens if a club like Manchester City fall behind in their fixtures , as Accrington Stanley have done in League One ?
If clubs end up playing four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fairness in that ?
Can the Premier League simply ignore a situation society is struggling with or can it operate in a bubble ?
And the biggest problem - what happens next week when Football League clubs are all tested before the FA Cup third round ?
Once again , it appears the game is approaching a crossroads .
The unpalatable truth is that whichever route it takes , it might end up being the wrong one .
• None Think you 've eaten enough to master this quiz ?

Last updated on .From the section Premier League
Sam Allardyce was appointed West Brom manager on 16 December
West Brom boss Sam Allardyce says football needs a break after the Premier League returned its highest number of positive coronavirus results in a single round of tests this season.
On Tuesday, the latest round of Premier League testing found 18 people had the virus.
New coronavirus cases at Fulham led to their Premier League match at Tottenham on Wednesday being called off.
"I'm very concerned for myself and football in general," Allardyce said.
Sheffield United have confirmed they had "numerous positive tests" in the latest round of testing.
On Monday, Manchester City's Premier League match at Everton was postponed four hours before kick-off because of a coronavirus outbreak.
Allardyce said a "circuit break" was the "right thing" to do to cope with the outbreak.
"Everyone's safety is more important than anything else," he added after West Brom's 5-0 home defeat by Leeds on Tuesday.
"When I listen to the news that the variant virus transmits quicker than the original virus, we can only do the right thing, which is have a circuit break.
"I am 66 years old and the last thing I want to do is catch Covid.
"As much as we're getting tested - we had one positive this week - it seems to be creeping round. No matter how hard we try, no matter how many times we get tested, how we wear our masks, how we sanitise our hands, we're still catching a lot infections round the country.
"If that helps [circuit breaker], let's do it and let the season run a little longer when we get through it."
In the EFL, coronavirus outbreaks at clubs led to seven of Tuesday's 12 scheduled League One games being postponed.
The league, which until now has carried out targeted testing, will conduct coronavirus tests with all 72 of its clubs in the week commencing 4 January.
Oxford United manager Karl Robinson told BBC Radio 4's Today programme some clubs were getting "sloppy".
"I can't come on 100%, but what I know is that certain clubs are doing things slightly wrong," he continued.
"I think there's some clubs using gyms inside with too many players. If we want our game to carry on, which in my view I think it should, I think we have to get back to how we were when football first returned."
Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl operated from home via a video link for his side's goalless draw with West Ham on Tuesday after a member of his household tested positive for coronavirus.
In League Two, a coronavirus outbreak at Morecambe has caused two of their games - at Bolton Wanderers and Bradford - to be postponed.
Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo also reacted to the latest round of Premier League testing figures after his side's 1-0 defeat at Manchester United on Tuesday.
"The rising of the cases is increasing massively over the country and we are not an exception," the Portuguese said.
"Some things are impossible to avoid. If there's a break coming, then people have to sit down and see if it's for the better."
However, the Premier League says it has "full confidence" that fixtures will be fulfilled.
Following the postponement of Fulham's game at Tottenham, it said: "With low numbers of positive tests across the overwhelming majority of clubs, the Premier League continues to have full confidence in its Covid-19 protocols and being able to continue to play our fixtures as scheduled."
Analysis - 'It appears the game is approaching a crossroads'
BBC Sport's Simon Stone
It might be easy to view Allardyce's comments as being a diversionary tactic after a particularly bad night for his new team but the idea of a circuit break is being spoken about.
The Premier League itself is not raising it - but those running clubs are talking about it.
But whichever way they turn, the route is fraught with problems.
If football stopped now, who is to say when the situation will be better? If this is not the worst point, what is the point, especially when the government is not asking for it?
And, as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer pointed out when I asked the Manchester United manager what he thought about it after their victory over Wolves, when would the games get played?
Logistically, there is no scope for the season to be put back without the European Championship scheduled for June being moved - and that is highly unlikely to happen.
Then there is the potential rebate for TV companies - which clubs are going to vote for that?
But, if the league ploughs on regardless, what happens if a club like Manchester City fall behind in their fixtures, as Accrington Stanley have done in League One? If clubs end up playing four games in a week, where is the fairness in that?
Can the Premier League simply ignore a situation society is struggling with or can it operate in a bubble?
And the biggest problem - what happens next week when Football League clubs are all tested before the FA Cup third round?
Once again, it appears the game is approaching a crossroads. The unpalatable truth is that whichever route it takes, it might end up being the wrong one.


bbc--2020-12-29--Rashford scores injury-time winner to send Man Utd second

Last updated on .From the section Premier League Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford says it would be `` stupid '' to think about winning the Premier League title at the moment despite his injury-time goal against Wolverhampton Wanderers moving the Red Devils up to second in the table .
But after cutting inside the box , the England man let fly with a left-footed shot that deflected off Romain Saiss to leave Rui Patricio completely wrong-footed .
United are now two points behind leaders Liverpool having played the same number of games , which is as close as they have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at this stage of the season since Sir Alex Ferguson retired .
`` We ca n't look too far ahead , '' Rashford told Amazon Prime .
`` We are a team that is still doing a lot of work on ourselves and to be looking at the table so early on in the season is a bit stupid of us .
`` We have to take it one game at a time and if we can keep finding ways to win like this we will see where we are at the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said he is not willing to consider talk of a title challenge until after 30 games .
`` There 's no title race after 15 games , '' he said .
`` You can lose the chance of being in the race in the first 10 games of course but play another 15 and get to 30 maybe , then we can start talking about it when we 've at least played more than half the season .
`` The belief is there - they think 'we can win @ @ @ @ @ @ @ result is massive for the attitude . ''
That the winner should come so late could have been predicted .
Since Wolves returned to the top flight in 2018 , these sides have now met eight times in league and cup .
There have been four draws and two wins each , none of which has been by more than a single goal .
United manager Solskjaer predicted a tight affair and so it proved as his defence was the equal of a Wolves attack that continues to struggle without Raul Jimenez , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ despite the return of Paul Pogba alongside Fernandes in midfield .
Unusually for him , Fernandes was wasteful when Mason Greenwood picked him out with a deep cross just before half-time .
Such opportunities tend to find the net at the Portuguese 's feet , but this one was turned away by Patricio .
Rashford and Anthony Martial wasted chances and although Edinson Cavani did have the ball in the net , the Uruguayan was correctly ruled offside .
There were appeals for a penalty for handball in the build-up , but VAR @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Conor Coady .
Although the night did not end well for Wolves , it was another good one for Wolves ' young forward Pedro Neto .
Manager Nuno Espirito Santo has been trying to play down expectations around the 20-year-old , who is only just starting to get exposed to senior football after a handful of appearances in his native Portugal for Braga and during a loan spell at Lazio .
Glenn Hoddle and Jamie Redknapp have both spoken highly of Neto in recent days , and while his diminutive stature was ill-suited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , there was more evidence at Old Trafford of a potential star in the making .
Either through his own shot that tested De Gea or the inspired leave that created one for Ruben Neves , Neto shows he is always thinking .
The reverse pass that found Rayan Ait-Nouri in a packed penalty area was inspired even if it brought no reward .
Neto is getting used to the physical side of the game too - he was accidently caught in the face by Nemanja Matic , which brought a shout of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He might have done better when he raced clear just before half-time , only to find Harry Maguire in his way as he tried to step inside to create more room for a shot , but the teenager continued to find pockets of space after the break before he was eventually replaced .
To underline the evolution of this Wolves team , 18-year-old former Liverpool defender Ki-Jana Hoever made his first Premier League start , as did 20-year-old Vitinha - a pass that nut-megged Pogba was the highlight of his 54-minute appearance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consolation after such a disappointing end to the evening for Wolves .
`` This is football and a learning process , '' Nuno said .
`` It 's cruel in the moment but you ca n't stay feeling sorry - you have to move forward .
We created chances , sometimes we should finish more . ''
• None Since losing at home to Arsenal at the start of November , Manchester United have won seven of their past nine Premier League games .
• None Wolves have now conceded in each of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ joint-longest run without a clean sheet in the competition under Nuno Espirito Santo ( the other was the nine games between December 2019 and January 2020 ) .
• None Marcus Rashford 's goal for Manchester United was his first at Old Trafford in the Premier League in 845 minutes of play , since netting in July versus Southampton .
• None At 92 minutes and 51 seconds , Rashford 's strike was their latest winning goal in a Premier League game at Old Trafford since September 2009 , when Michael Owen scored @ @ @ @ @ @ @ None Since his Premier League debut in February , Bruno Fernandes has been directly involved in more goals in the competition than any other player with 32 - 18 goals , 14 assists ) .
• None Wolves ' starting XI in this game had an average age of 25 years and 109 days - their youngest in a Premier League game since April 2012 ( 25 years 80 days v Sunderland ) .
• None Manchester United made six changes to their starting XI ; their most in the Premier League since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ changes for a game also against Wolves .
Manchester United conclude their festive programme against another Midlands side , Aston Villa , on Friday , 1 January ( 20:00GMT ) .
Wolves are next in action at Brighton on Saturday , 2 January ( 17:30GMT ) .

Last updated on .From the section Premier League
Marcus Rashford's goal was his first at Old Trafford since July
Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford says it would be "stupid" to think about winning the Premier League title at the moment despite his injury-time goal against Wolverhampton Wanderers moving the Red Devils up to second in the table.
Tuesday's game seemed destined to be a draw when Rashford took possession on the edge of the area, near to the goal-line.
But after cutting inside the box, the England man let fly with a left-footed shot that deflected off Romain Saiss to leave Rui Patricio completely wrong-footed.
United are now two points behind leaders Liverpool having played the same number of games, which is as close as they have been to the top of the table at this stage of the season since Sir Alex Ferguson retired.
"We can't look too far ahead," Rashford told Amazon Prime.
"We are a team that is still doing a lot of work on ourselves and to be looking at the table so early on in the season is a bit stupid of us.
"We have to take it one game at a time and if we can keep finding ways to win like this we will see where we are at the end of the season."
Man Utd 1-0 Wolves: Solskjaer 'delighted' after 'dramatic' victory
Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said he is not willing to consider talk of a title challenge until after 30 games.
"There's no title race after 15 games," he said.
"You can lose the chance of being in the race in the first 10 games of course but play another 15 and get to 30 maybe, then we can start talking about it when we've at least played more than half the season.
"The belief is there - they think 'we can win against anyone, anywhere'. This result is massive for the attitude."
Tight affair
Bruno Fernandes was unable to add to the 14 goals he has scored this season
That the winner should come so late could have been predicted.
Since Wolves returned to the top flight in 2018, these sides have now met eight times in league and cup. There have been four draws and two wins each, none of which has been by more than a single goal.
United manager Solskjaer predicted a tight affair and so it proved as his defence was the equal of a Wolves attack that continues to struggle without Raul Jimenez, while the home side failed to inspire despite the return of Paul Pogba alongside Fernandes in midfield.
Unusually for him, Fernandes was wasteful when Mason Greenwood picked him out with a deep cross just before half-time.
Such opportunities tend to find the net at the Portuguese's feet, but this one was turned away by Patricio.
Rashford and Anthony Martial wasted chances and although Edinson Cavani did have the ball in the net, the Uruguayan was correctly ruled offside.
There were appeals for a penalty for handball in the build-up, but VAR adjudged it was accidental by Wolves skipper Conor Coady.
Neto's not bad
Although the night did not end well for Wolves, it was another good one for Wolves' young forward Pedro Neto.
Manager Nuno Espirito Santo has been trying to play down expectations around the 20-year-old, who is only just starting to get exposed to senior football after a handful of appearances in his native Portugal for Braga and during a loan spell at Lazio.
Glenn Hoddle and Jamie Redknapp have both spoken highly of Neto in recent days, and while his diminutive stature was ill-suited to the centre-forward role he was handed, there was more evidence at Old Trafford of a potential star in the making.
Either through his own shot that tested De Gea or the inspired leave that created one for Ruben Neves, Neto shows he is always thinking.
The reverse pass that found Rayan Ait-Nouri in a packed penalty area was inspired even if it brought no reward.
Neto is getting used to the physical side of the game too - he was accidently caught in the face by Nemanja Matic, which brought a shout of pain as the game continued without him.
He might have done better when he raced clear just before half-time, only to find Harry Maguire in his way as he tried to step inside to create more room for a shot, but the teenager continued to find pockets of space after the break before he was eventually replaced.
To underline the evolution of this Wolves team, 18-year-old former Liverpool defender Ki-Jana Hoever made his first Premier League start, as did 20-year-old Vitinha - a pass that nut-megged Pogba was the highlight of his 54-minute appearance.
Not that it will be much consolation after such a disappointing end to the evening for Wolves.
"This is football and a learning process," Nuno said.
"It's cruel in the moment but you can't stay feeling sorry - you have to move forward. We created chances, sometimes we should finish more."
It hurts a lot to lose so late - Nuno
Latest United winner since 2009 - the stats
Since losing at home to Arsenal at the start of November, Manchester United have won seven of their past nine Premier League games.
Wolves have now conceded in each of their past nine league games; their joint-longest run without a clean sheet in the competition under Nuno Espirito Santo (the other was the nine games between December 2019 and January 2020).
Marcus Rashford's goal for Manchester United was his first at Old Trafford in the Premier League in 845 minutes of play, since netting in July versus Southampton.
At 92 minutes and 51 seconds, Rashford's strike was their latest winning goal in a Premier League game at Old Trafford since September 2009, when Michael Owen scored at 95:27 against Manchester City.
Since his Premier League debut in February, Bruno Fernandes has been directly involved in more goals in the competition than any other player with 32 - 18 goals, 14 assists).
Wolves' starting XI in this game had an average age of 25 years and 109 days - their youngest in a Premier League game since April 2012 (25 years 80 days v Sunderland).
Manchester United made six changes to their starting XI; their most in the Premier League since April 2019, when they had six changes for a game also against Wolves.
What next?
Manchester United conclude their festive programme against another Midlands side, Aston Villa, on Friday, 1 January (20:00GMT). Wolves are next in action at Brighton on Saturday, 2 January (17:30GMT).
Player of the match Rashford Marcus Rashford with an average of 7.04 Man Utd Manchester United Manchester United
Wolves Wolverhampton Wanderers Wolverhampton Wanderers Manchester United Avg Squad number 10 Player name Rashford Average rating 7.04 Squad number 18 Player name Bruno Fernandes Average rating 6.91 Squad number 1 Player name de Gea Average rating 6.68 Squad number 3 Player name Bailly Average rating 6.56 Squad number 23 Player name Shaw Average rating 6.36 Squad number 5 Player name Maguire Average rating 6.26 Squad number 7 Player name Cavani Average rating 6.20 Squad number 31 Player name Matic Average rating 5.96 Squad number 29 Player name Wan-Bissaka Average rating 5.84 Squad number 9 Player name Martial Average rating 5.61 Squad number 27 Player name Alex Telles Average rating 5.61 Squad number 6 Player name Pogba Average rating 5.57 Squad number 39 Player name McTominay Average rating 5.48 Squad number 11 Player name Greenwood Average rating 5.40 Wolverhampton Wanderers Avg Squad number 27 Player name Saïss Average rating 6.98 Squad number 11 Player name Rui Patrício Average rating 6.46 Squad number 16 Player name Coady Average rating 6.41 Squad number 2 Player name Hoever Average rating 6.39 Squad number 49 Player name Kilman Average rating 6.27 Squad number 8 Player name Rúben Neves Average rating 6.26 Squad number 3 Player name Aït-Nouri Average rating 6.21 Squad number 28 Player name João Moutinho Average rating 6.16 Squad number 7 Player name Pedro Neto Average rating 6.14 Squad number 20 Player name Vitinha Average rating 5.94 Squad number 37 Player name Traoré Average rating 5.82 Squad number 10 Player name Daniel Podence Average rating 5.72 Squad number 17 Player name Fábio Silva Average rating 5.47


bbc--2020-12-29--Barcelona 1-1 Eibar: Hosts labour to draw in Lionel Messi's absence

Last updated on .From the section European Football Barcelona felt the absence of the injured Lionel Messi as they were @ @ @ @ @ home by struggling Eibar in La Liga on Tuesday .
Braithwaite had a chance to @ @ @ @ @ but bundled wide from close range .
Messi , who is recovering from an ankle @ @ @ @ @ from the stands , having arrived back from Argentina earlier on Tuesday .
The point @ @ @ @ @ Liga while Eibar are 14th , two points clear of the relegation zone .

Last updated on .From the section European Football
Martin Braithwaite missed a late chance to win it for Barcelona
Barcelona felt the absence of the injured Lionel Messi as they were held to a draw at home by struggling Eibar in La Liga on Tuesday.
Martin Braithwaite missed a penalty in the first half before Eibar stunned their hosts by taking a 57th-minute lead through striker Kike Garcia.
Ousmane Dembele equalised 10 minutes later, steering in a first-time shot.
Braithwaite had a chance to win it for the hosts but bundled wide from close range.
Messi, who is recovering from an ankle problem, watched the game from the stands, having arrived back from Argentina earlier on Tuesday.
The point leaves Barcelona sixth in La Liga while Eibar are 14th, two points clear of the relegation zone.


bbc--2020-12-29--Arsenal 'in a different world' after back-to-back wins, says Arteta

Last updated on .From the section Premier League Arsenal are now in a `` different world '' , according to manager Mikel Arteta , after they recorded back-to-back league wins for the first time since September by beating Brighton .
Defeat at Everton on 19 December left them only four points above the relegation zone after 14 games - their worst start to the season since 1974-75 .
But fortunes changed with a surprise 3-1 victory over Chelsea last weekend , which has now been followed up by this latest success .
`` In this period , we know how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arteta said .
`` We had a really tough week and it was n't that much about the performance , it was about the result .
`` You need the results to start confidence and now with two wins , I think everyone is in a much better mood .
`` The best medicine is wins - it 's a different world and a different story .
The picture looks much better at the moment .
We need that more consistency and try to win again . ''
Arteta , in charge of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had suffered `` in some moments '' this year , but had the support of the club .
The Spaniard , 38 , added : `` Considering the context we 're in now , the pandemic and the problems we 've had recently , it 's been quite a challenge .
`` I 'm enjoying and suffering in some moments , but I have great people around me and a great organisation . ''
Tuesday 's display lacked the fizz of that 3-1 win over the Blues , and they were particularly sluggish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ managed one effort on goal .
However , the tempo and urgency was turned up a couple of notches after the break , with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Gabriel Martinelli going close before French striker Alexandre Lacazette fired home in the 66th minute .
The second-half substitute had only been on the pitch 29 seconds when he swept in Bukayo Saka 's ball for his third goal in three games .
Brighton boss Graham Potter left forwards Neal Maupay and Danny Welbeck on the bench - two of six changes made to the starting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comfortable and composed on the ball but it was a frustrating story in attack .
The closest the home side came to scoring was when Alireza Jahanbakhsh forced a sharp save from Bernd Leno at his near post .
Arsenal climb up to 13th and now have 20 points , while Brighton remain two points above the drop zone in 17th .
The Scotland full-back was adamant that the emphatic victory over the Blues was partly due to the side starting on the front foot , so it came as a slight surprise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the first half against Brighton .
Aubameyang replaced Lacazette in the starting XI , but he was left chasing scraps as his team-mates failed to provide him with adequate service .
Thankfully for the club 's fans , it was a match of two halves - their team looked rejuvenated after the break .
Aubameyang went close soon after the restart when he attempted to turn home Saka 's cross but was thwarted by the knee of Robert Sanchez .
His side then broke through .
Saka , exceptional on the flanks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who barely had time to get his studs dirty as he fired his shot past the Seagulls keeper .
The display was in stark contrast with that shown against Chelsea , but the result is the same and will give Arsenal and their fans heart as they head into 2021 .
Seagulls supporters might question why their manager chose to leave two of his potent forwards out of the line-up .
Had Maupay , their leading scorer this season , and Welbeck been involved in the first half , then would Brighton have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jahanbakhsh was competent in leading the attack , but only had two efforts on goal .
He was wild with one strike from Bernardo 's cross and saw another snap-shot saved by Arsenal 's German stopper Leno .
Potter brought on Maupay , along with wingers Leandro Trossard and Solly March , but by this stage Arsenal were 1-0 up and had seized the initiative - which they were not going to relinquish .
The Brighton boss remained in good spirits , despite his side having last won in the league on 21 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be positive about , certainly first half , '' he said .
`` I thought we did well in the game against a team that has some good attacking players .
`` It 's just frustrating that we 're not winning or picking up the points we 'd like to .
`` We 're doing some things well but we need to carry on improving .
This league is so demanding , so punishing .
These things can happen and we have to stick together as a group . ''
• None Brighton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 14 Premier League games , drawing seven and losing six .
• None Arsenal have won back-to-back league games this season for the first time since their opening two games back in September .
• None Brighton end 2020 with just one Premier League home win ( 17 games ) , the lowest total of victories on home soil in a calendar year in the history of the competition ( excluding promoted and relegated teams , who did not complete a calendar year in the top flight ) .
• None Arsenal kept @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season in the Premier League , a figure only Aston Villa can better in 2020-21 ( five ) .
• None Lacazette has scored in each of his past three games for Arsenal in all competitions , after netting just once in his previous 12 .
• None He scored 29 seconds after entering the field , the quickest goal by an Arsenal substitute in the Premier League since that data was first recorded at the start of the 2006-07 season .
• None Since the start of last season , Bukayo Saka @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Arsenal , more than any other player for the club .
Brighton host Wolves on Saturday ( 17:30 GMT ) and Arsenal are at struggling West Brom on the same day ( 20:00 GMT ) .
• None Think you 've eaten enough to master this quiz ?

Last updated on .From the section Premier League
Alexandre Lacazette scored the quickest goal by a substitute in the league since Bernardo Silva scored after 17 seconds for Manchester City against Brighton in 2019
Arsenal are now in a "different world", according to manager Mikel Arteta, after they recorded back-to-back league wins for the first time since September by beating Brighton.
Before Christmas, Match of the Day pundit Alan Shearer was among those to question whether the Gunners had what it took to retain the place in the top flight they have held since 1919.
Defeat at Everton on 19 December left them only four points above the relegation zone after 14 games - their worst start to the season since 1974-75.
But fortunes changed with a surprise 3-1 victory over Chelsea last weekend, which has now been followed up by this latest success.
"In this period, we know how much we needed the wins," Arteta said.
"We had a really tough week and it wasn't that much about the performance, it was about the result.
"You need the results to start confidence and now with two wins, I think everyone is in a much better mood.
"The best medicine is wins - it's a different world and a different story. The picture looks much better at the moment. We need that more consistency and try to win again."
Arteta, in charge of Arsenal since December 2019, said he had suffered "in some moments" this year, but had the support of the club.
The Spaniard, 38, added: "Considering the context we're in now, the pandemic and the problems we've had recently, it's been quite a challenge.
"I'm enjoying and suffering in some moments, but I have great people around me and a great organisation."
Tuesday's display lacked the fizz of that 3-1 win over the Blues, and they were particularly sluggish in the first half when they only managed one effort on goal.
However, the tempo and urgency was turned up a couple of notches after the break, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Gabriel Martinelli going close before French striker Alexandre Lacazette fired home in the 66th minute.
The second-half substitute had only been on the pitch 29 seconds when he swept in Bukayo Saka's ball for his third goal in three games.
Brighton boss Graham Potter left forwards Neal Maupay and Danny Welbeck on the bench - two of six changes made to the starting XI. His side once again looked comfortable and composed on the ball but it was a frustrating story in attack.
The closest the home side came to scoring was when Alireza Jahanbakhsh forced a sharp save from Bernd Leno at his near post.
Arsenal climb up to 13th and now have 20 points, while Brighton remain two points above the drop zone in 17th.
Second-half revival benefits Arsenal
Winning is the best medicine for Arsenal - Arteta
Did Kieran Tierney give Arsenal's half-time team-talk?
The Scotland full-back was adamant that the emphatic victory over the Blues was partly due to the side starting on the front foot, so it came as a slight surprise that the Gunners retreated into their shells during the first half against Brighton.
Aubameyang replaced Lacazette in the starting XI, but he was left chasing scraps as his team-mates failed to provide him with adequate service. Thankfully for the club's fans, it was a match of two halves - their team looked rejuvenated after the break.
Aubameyang went close soon after the restart when he attempted to turn home Saka's cross but was thwarted by the knee of Robert Sanchez. His side then broke through.
Saka, exceptional on the flanks, this time set up Lacazette, who barely had time to get his studs dirty as he fired his shot past the Seagulls keeper.
The display was in stark contrast with that shown against Chelsea, but the result is the same and will give Arsenal and their fans heart as they head into 2021.
Brighton fall short again
Brighton home record not good enough - Potter
Seagulls supporters might question why their manager chose to leave two of his potent forwards out of the line-up.
Had Maupay, their leading scorer this season, and Welbeck been involved in the first half, then would Brighton have made more of their first-half dominance?
Jahanbakhsh was competent in leading the attack, but only had two efforts on goal. He was wild with one strike from Bernardo's cross and saw another snap-shot saved by Arsenal's German stopper Leno.
Potter brought on Maupay, along with wingers Leandro Trossard and Solly March, but by this stage Arsenal were 1-0 up and had seized the initiative - which they were not going to relinquish.
The Brighton boss remained in good spirits, despite his side having last won in the league on 21 November.
"There was lots to be positive about, certainly first half," he said.
"I thought we did well in the game against a team that has some good attacking players.
"It's just frustrating that we're not winning or picking up the points we'd like to.
"We're doing some things well but we need to carry on improving. This league is so demanding, so punishing. These things can happen and we have to stick together as a group."
Arsenal defence shine again - stats
Brighton have won just one of their past 14 Premier League games, drawing seven and losing six.
Arsenal have won back-to-back league games this season for the first time since their opening two games back in September.
Brighton end 2020 with just one Premier League home win (17 games), the lowest total of victories on home soil in a calendar year in the history of the competition (excluding promoted and relegated teams, who did not complete a calendar year in the top flight).
Arsenal kept their fourth away clean sheet of the season in the Premier League, a figure only Aston Villa can better in 2020-21 (five).
Lacazette has scored in each of his past three games for Arsenal in all competitions, after netting just once in his previous 12.
He scored 29 seconds after entering the field, the quickest goal by an Arsenal substitute in the Premier League since that data was first recorded at the start of the 2006-07 season.
Since the start of last season, Bukayo Saka has registered 15 assists in all competitions for Arsenal, more than any other player for the club.
What's next?
Brighton host Wolves on Saturday (17:30 GMT) and Arsenal are at struggling West Brom on the same day (20:00 GMT).
Player of the match Saka Bukayo Saka with an average of 8.24 Brighton Brighton & Hove Albion Brighton & Hove Albion
Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Brighton & Hove Albion Avg Squad number 8 Player name Bissouma Average rating 5.37 Squad number 26 Player name Sánchez Average rating 5.12 Squad number 5 Player name Dunk Average rating 4.76 Squad number 4 Player name Webster Average rating 4.68 Squad number 20 Player name March Average rating 4.49 Squad number 34 Player name Veltman Average rating 4.45 Squad number 30 Player name Bernardo Average rating 4.44 Squad number 13 Player name Groß Average rating 4.37 Squad number 33 Player name Burn Average rating 4.32 Squad number 24 Player name Pröpper Average rating 4.28 Squad number 16 Player name Jahanbakhsh Average rating 4.17 Squad number 11 Player name Trossard Average rating 4.13 Squad number 10 Player name Mac Allister Average rating 4.07 Squad number 9 Player name Maupay Average rating 4.04 Arsenal Avg Squad number 7 Player name Saka Average rating 8.24 Squad number 9 Player name Lacazette Average rating 8.06 Squad number 3 Player name Tierney Average rating 7.95 Squad number 32 Player name Smith Rowe Average rating 7.62 Squad number 35 Player name Gabriel Martinelli Average rating 7.27 Squad number 1 Player name Leno Average rating 7.24 Squad number 16 Player name Holding Average rating 6.96 Squad number 22 Player name Marí Average rating 6.91 Squad number 2 Player name Bellerín Average rating 6.84 Squad number 34 Player name Xhaka Average rating 6.48 Squad number 15 Player name Maitland-Niles Average rating 6.39 Squad number 25 Player name Mohamed Elneny Average rating 6.27 Squad number 8 Player name Dani Ceballos Average rating 6.16 Squad number 14 Player name Aubameyang Average rating 5.81