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The prospect of a historic quadruple for Arsenal has evaporated. After a Carabao Cup final loss and a humbling defeat to second‑tier Southampton, the Gunners now face only two competitions.In a dramatic FA Cup quarter‑final, a late goal by Shea Charles clinched a 2‑1 win for the Saints, who have been reshaped by manager Tonda Eckert from relegation candidates into promotion frontrunners within six months.Southampton opened the scoring eleven minutes before halftime when Ross Stewart capitalised on a defensive lapse, slipping a low finish past Arsenal keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga. The lead was restored shortly after when substitute Viktor Gyökeres headed home, leveling the match.However, the decisive moment arrived in the 84th minute. After a swift build‑up involving Tom Fellows, Charles received the ball inside the box and calmly placed it past the keeper, sending the Saints into the FA Cup semi‑finals at the end of the month.The victory marks only the fifth occasion this season that a team has beaten the Premier League leaders, underscoring Southampton’s resurgence. The club also honoured its 50‑year FA Cup triumph with a special yellow‑and‑blue kit, recalling Bobby Stokes' winning goal in 1976.For Arsenal, the defeat compounds recent setbacks. Manager Mikel Arteta now has less than 48 hours before the team departs for Lisbon to face Sporting CP in the Champions League quarter‑final first leg, followed by a crucial Premier League clash at Manchester City.Despite the loss, Arsenal showed flashes of life, with Gyökeres equalising and a flurry of chances in stoppage time, but Southampton’s disciplined defence and Charles’ composure proved decisive.

Real Mallorca delivered a stunning upset to Real Madrid, winning 2‑1 thanks to an added‑time strike from Vedat Muriqi. The victory pushes the champions to four points behind Barcelona ahead of their upcoming clash with Atlético Madrid.The match began with Mallorca absorbing early pressure; goalkeeper Leo Román denied Kylian Mbappé twice with diving saves. Mallorca took the lead in the 42nd minute when Manu Morlanes headed home a cross from Pablo Maffeo.Real responded late, with Éder Militão—returning from a hamstring injury—equalising in the 88th minute. Just three minutes later, Muriqi, the league’s second‑highest scorer behind Mbappé, netted the winner, marking Mallorca’s first triumph over Real in three years and lifting them two points above the relegation zone.Muriqi, who had faced criticism after Kosovo’s World Cup qualifying loss, broke down in tears after the final whistle, saying, "Sometimes emotions get the better of you… I’m just happy to repay the supporters, we want to stay in this division for them."In Germany, Bayern Munich staged a dramatic comeback, scoring three goals in the final nine minutes to edge Freiburg 3‑2. Tom Bischof equalised, and Lennart Karl clinched the winner in stoppage time, despite the absence of injured striker Harry Kane. Bayern now travel to Real Madrid for their Champions League quarter‑final first leg.Freiburg had opened the scoring early in the second half with a long‑range strike from Johan Manzambi, and later doubled the lead via a Lucas Hoeler volley after a corner error by Manuel Neuer. However, Bayern’s late surge erased the deficit.Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund secured a 2‑0 away win at VfB Stuttgart with late goals from Karim Adeyemi and Julian Brandt. The victory keeps Dortmund in second place on 64 points, nine behind Bayern, while Stuttgart slips to fourth.In Italy, Massimiliano Allegri of AC Milan reiterated his focus on the club, dismissing any immediate interest in the vacant Italy national team manager role after Gennaro Gattuso stepped down following a World Cup playoff defeat.

The search for a missing US crew member of a downed F-15E fighter jet entered its second day on Saturday, as Iranian media released pictures of wreckage, including a distinctive F-15 tail fin and a used ejector seat.A pilot was rescued on Friday after the F-15E Strike Eagle became the first US plane to be downed over Iran during the five-week-long war, but the second crew member has not been accounted for.US search and rescue efforts are using low-flying Pave Hawk helicopters and specialist C-130 Hercules transport. Military pilots said the missing crew member would be trying to hide for as long as possible from the Iranian military and potentially seeking to transmit their location relative to a known secret point.Israel extended its war in Lebanon with increased airstrikes, targeting sites in Beirut and Tyre. The Israeli military said it had conducted a wave of strikes on Tehran overnight against what it said were air defence, ballistic missile storage and weapons development facilities.The US president, Donald Trump, said on Friday the episode would not affect efforts to negotiate a peace settlement with Iran. However, he also threatened an unspecified escalation, saying Iran had 48 hours to comply with his demands or face consequences.The conflict has resulted in significant damage and loss of life, with at least 1,900 people killed and 20,000 injured in Iran since the start of the war, according to estimates from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent societies.

The UK medicines regulator has opened an inquiry into a growing number of clinics that sell injectable peptides while promoting them as cures for everything from ageing to injury recovery. The investigation, disclosed by the Guardian, focuses on whether these businesses are breaching the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 by making unauthorised medicinal claims. Interest in peptide‑based treatments has surged in recent years, driven by social‑media influencers, some healthcare professionals, and direct‑to‑consumer marketers. Yet the scientific foundation for most of these claims is weak, with the bulk of research confined to animal models or cell‑culture studies. According to an MHRA spokesperson, any clinic that advertises a peptide as having therapeutic benefits must treat the product as a medicine, which triggers a comprehensive regulatory framework. "If clinics offering peptide injections make medicinal claims for those treatments, the products will be considered medicines and subject to regulation," the agency warned, adding that it will act against any identified breaches. Guardian reporters identified several high‑ranking Google search results that list peptides such as Cortexin (promoted for neuroprotection), BPC‑157 (claimed to aid tissue repair), and Thymosin Alpha (advertised to boost immunity). After being contacted, one clinic removed the statements from its website. Another clinic, while acknowledging the limited human evidence, continued to market seven specific peptides, providing price lists (£350 per month for a single peptide, £450 for two) and offering delivery via vials, syringes, or pre‑filled pens for an additional fee. During a free consultation, a clinician highlighted the experimental nature of the products, noting the absence of large‑scale, randomised clinical trials and recommending a break of four to eight weeks between treatment cycles to mitigate unknown risks. The clinician suggested BPC‑157 for post‑exercise recovery, describing it as a facilitator of cellular repair and blood flow, but warned against its use in smokers or individuals with a family history of cancer due to potential angiogenic effects. The second peptide discussed was MOTS‑C, portrayed as a mitochondrial enhancer that could improve stress resilience, lower insulin resistance, and reduce visceral fat by boosting cellular energy production (ATP). The MHRA confirmed it is reviewing whether the clinician’s statements constitute medicinal claims. The clinic defended its approach, emphasizing that it clearly informs clients that the peptides are not licensed medicines and that the evidence base is largely pre‑clinical. In a broader statement, Lynda Scammell, head of borderline products at the MHRA, explained that peptide products may be marketed as cosmetics, supplements, or medicines, and each case is assessed on its intended use, pharmacological effect, and supporting evidence. She added, "We disregard claims that products are for ‘research purposes’ if it is clear that such claims are being used as an attempt to avoid medicines regulations." Peptides are short chains of amino acids, some of which occur naturally (e.g., insulin). While synthetic peptide analogues like semaglutide and tirzepatide have secured approval for weight‑loss treatments, many of the compounds promoted by these clinics remain experimental and lack the rigorous safety and efficacy testing required for medicinal products.

Liverpool's humiliating 4-0 defeat to Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter-finals has raised concerns about the team's form and manager Arne Slot's future. Slot criticized his team's performance, particularly in the 10 minutes after halftime, where he felt they lacked the 'fighting spirit' needed to compete at a high level. The manner of the defeat will heighten scrutiny of Slot's future, especially with Liverpool's upcoming Champions League quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain. A similar performance in that tie could prove detrimental to Slot's position as manager. Erling Haaland scored a hat-trick for Manchester City, contributing significantly to their eighth consecutive FA Cup semi-final appearance. Slot emphasized the need for his team to improve defensively and show a better reaction to the loss, particularly against top-tier teams like PSG. Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai echoed Slot's sentiments, stating that the team's 'fighting spirit wasn't there enough.' The defeat marks Liverpool's 15th of the season, their most since the 2014-15 season. Liverpool's struggles have been compounded by Mohamed Salah's missed chances, including a penalty when City were 4-0 ahead. Slot, however, chose not to single out individuals, instead focusing on the team's overall performance and the need for improvement.

Erling Haaland completed his first Manchester City hat‑trick since August 2024, guiding the Citizens to a commanding 4‑0 lead against Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter‑finals.The Norwegian striker opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 39th minute, and despite a brief Liverpool resurgence, City extended the advantage before the hour mark. Haaland’s second goal arrived in first‑half added time, and his third – a deft finish after a penalty awarded for a foul on Virgil van Dijk – sealed the rout.Manchester City’s dominance was evident early, cruising to a 4‑0 advantage in just 57 minutes. Liverpool’s attempts, including missed chances from Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitiké, proved futile, highlighting a stark contrast in execution.For Liverpool manager Arne Slot, the defeat is a serious blow. The loss not only dents the club’s domestic credibility but also threatens his position ahead of a crucial Champions League quarter‑final against Paris Saint‑Germain. A repeat performance in Europe could force the owners to reassess his future.City’s head coach Pep Guardiola, serving a two‑game touchline ban, saw his side extend their record to an eighth consecutive FA Cup semi‑final appearance. Guardiola’s tactical setup – a 4‑2‑3‑1 with high‑pressing front four – effectively neutralised Liverpool’s nominal 4‑4‑2 formation.Key moments included a penalty awarded after Van Dijk’s challenge on Jérémy Doku's teammate Nico O’Reilly, and a second‑half strike from Haaland that capped a swift City sequence initiated by Matheus Nunes and Rayan Cherki.Beyond the scoreline, the match underscores Liverpool’s ongoing struggles, with Salah’s first appearance since announcing his departure ending in a missed penalty and a series of squandered opportunities. The result intensifies scrutiny on the club’s tactical direction and player morale.

Leeds United travel to West Ham for an FA Cup quarter‑final that both clubs would prefer to avoid, yet manager Daniel Farke is clear about his priorities. With an MA in economics and a diploma in sporting directorship, he stresses that Premier League survival is the club’s "bread and butter" and must come first.Off the pitch, the German‑born coach unwinds by immersing himself in literary fiction, counting Gabriel García Márquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude among his favourites.Farke’s dual role as a tactician and a storyteller raises the question of whether he can engineer a season that delivers both survival and cup glory. A successful double could make it hard for the Elland Road hierarchy to deny him the new contract he desires."I’m a big believer in cup competitions," Farke said, emphasizing that Leeds will approach the West Ham tie "very, very seriously". He added that the squad will start strong unless a player shows a physical issue, in which case they will be protected.The risk of fielding a first‑choice XI against a relegation rival mirrors the 2013 Wigan experience, when the club won the FA Cup but suffered relegation three days later – a bittersweet double that highlighted the fine line between triumph and disaster.Leeds have failed to win any of their last six Premier League matches, drawing four, a run that has stalled momentum. A victory could act as a catalyst to change the narrative as the season draws to a close.Injury concerns loom over striker Dominic Calvert‑Lewin, who is undergoing a hamstring scan. The England international, who netted seven goals in six games at the end of 2025, has managed only two league goals this season. A fit Calvert‑Lewin could revive Leeds’ hopes of reaching their first FA Cup semi‑final since 1987 and keep his World Cup aspirations alive.The goalkeeping position also remains unsettled. After losing his starting spot to Karl Darlow, Lucas Perri has featured solely in the FA Cup this year, leaving the decision on who starts for the West Ham tie open.Financial pressures add urgency to Farke’s decisions. Leeds’ latest accounts reveal a £49.2 million pre‑tax loss for the year ending June 2025, and a costly stadium expansion project that would be jeopardised by relegation. This backdrop explains the psychological blow of a 1‑0 loss to an under‑strength Sunderland side earlier in the month.Farke believes a deep FA Cup run could erase lingering self‑doubt. "If we secure Premier League survival and go further in the FA Cup, we can write a special chapter for this club," he said, urging his squad to seize the chance to make history.

Farmers in India and Sri Lanka are bracing for a potential food crisis as the conflict in Iran disrupts global fertiliser supplies. The war has led to a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for oil and gas supplies from the Gulf states, causing a shortage of natural gas and fertilisers.In India, farmers like Gurvinder Singh are worried about the impact on their crops. 'If we don't get fertilisers, there will be less yield. That will affect my entire family and the entire region, because we are completely dependent on agriculture.' India is the world's second-largest fertiliser consumer, using over 60 million tonnes annually, with most of its imports coming from Gulf countries.The World Food Programme has estimated that an extra 45 million people could be pushed into acute food insecurity if the conflict does not end by June. Experts warn that South Asian countries, including India and Sri Lanka, are particularly vulnerable due to their heavy reliance on imported fertilisers and gas.In Sri Lanka, the situation is dire, with farmers facing massive price increases and warning of a potential food crisis. The Sri Lankan government has attempted to control prices and ration fertiliser, but the chairman of the National Agrarian Unity warns that the fertiliser crisis is even bigger than the fuel crisis and poses a threat to national security.The conflict has already begun to strain supply chains, with gas supplies to fertiliser factories cut by 30%. Farmers are stocking up on fertiliser in advance, but many small-scale farmers are already operating with heavy losses and are crushed by debt.

South Carolina defeated UConn 62‑48 in the women’s NCAA Final Four on Friday night, snapping the Huskies’ 54‑game winning streak and booking the Gamecocks a spot in the national championship.With just 0.1 seconds left on the clock, the two veteran coaches met at the scorer’s table. Geno Auriemma raised his voice toward Dawn Staley, prompting a sharp retort from the South Carolina coach. Assistant coaches intervened before UConn could inbound the final play.In the post‑game press conference, Staley emphasized her integrity, saying she had shaken hands with every member of Auriemma’s staff before the game and was unaware of any perceived slight. "Sometimes things get heated, we move on," she told ESPN’s Holly Rowe.Auriemma, who later described the exchange as “nothing,” reiterated that he simply said what he felt was necessary, while Staley deflected responsibility, noting that he had initiated the conversation.Earlier in the fourth quarter, Auriemma vented frustration over officiating, alleging a series of fouls called against his team and accusing the opposing coach of “rants and raves” that distracted from the game.The loss exposed offensive struggles for UConn’s All‑America duo. Sarah Strong, the national player of the year, managed only 12 points on 4‑of‑16 shooting, and Azzi Fudd contributed eight points on 3‑of‑15, including a poor three‑point performance (2‑of‑9). In contrast, South Carolina’s Ta’Niya Latson scored 16 points and Agot Makeer added 14.Defensively, the game was a battle: UConn was called for 17 fouls, while South Carolina drew just eight. The Gamecocks’ interior size limited Strong’s attempts, and the Huskies could not find rhythm, recording their lowest point total since a 49‑point effort in the 2022 championship loss.UConn entered the Final Four with a 38‑1 record, marking their ninth undefeated run to the semifinal and the third consecutive year they fell short of the title. South Carolina (34‑3) will now face UCLA for a chance at their fourth national championship.